Fleas are wingless jumping insects that feed on blood. The adults you find on a pet are roughly five percent of the population. The rest are eggs, larvae and pupae sitting in shaded soil, carpet and pet bedding, which is why treating only the animal never finishes it.
What Do Fleas Look Like?
About 1/8 inch, dark reddish-brown, flattened side to side so they slip through fur, and built to jump. On a pet, look for flea dirt: black specks in the coat that turn rust red on a damp paper towel, because it is digested blood.
- Bites on people cluster low, around the ankles and lower legs
- Flea dirt in pet fur that reddens when wet is a positive identification
- They jump rather than fly, and they jump a long way for their size
- Cat fleas are the species on both cats and dogs here
Are Fleas Dangerous?
Mostly a misery and vet-bill problem rather than a health emergency. Fleas can transmit tapeworm to pets and cause flea allergy dermatitis, which is a real veterinary issue. Heavy infestations on very young or very old animals can cause anemia.
Why Is My Yard Full of Fleas?
Shade and humidity in the yard, plus a host that keeps reseeding it. Larvae cannot survive in hot dry sun, so they concentrate in shaded strips along fences, under decks and in bed mulch. Wildlife passing through, including possums and stray cats, tops the population up even in homes with no pets.
How Do You Get Rid of Fleas?
Treat the pet through your vet and the yard on a monthly cycle from May through October, because the flea life cycle runs three to four weeks in summer heat and a quarterly schedule leaves whole generations untouched. Wash bedding hot, vacuum thoroughly and empty the vacuum outside.
Whole-lawn and perimeter treatment on the full-season Mosquito, Flea & Tick program, about $400 to $750 for the season.
See Mosquito, Flea & Tick
