How to Identify Fleas

Fleas are the bane of pet owners everywhere. The sight of small, black fleas in your home is cause for concern as they breed very rapidly. 

The sight of one flea is usually the precursor to a full-blown and uncomfortable infestation. Fleas lay a lot of eggs very quickly, and some fleas have developed resistance to medications and Insecticides, which makes eliminating an infestation tricky for the homeowner. 

What Are the First Sign of Fleas?

Things to look for if you suspect fleas in your home include the following:

• Visible fleas in the house. Look for them hopping on your drapery, furniture, and carpets.
• Visible fleas on your pets – look for multiple small, dot-like insects in the fur.
• Pet behavior. Watch for excessive scratching, licking, or biting their fur.
• Brown and black debris throughout your pet’s fur. This is the flea feces that gets left behind after dining on blood.
• Bites on your feet or legs, especially in clusters.

If you suspect fleas in your abode, you can try the White Sock Test. Spend a day around the house, wearing knee-high white socks. Walk around on the carpeting and put your feet up on furniture – in short, expose yourself to areas fleas tend to frequent. At the end of the day, inspect the socks for fleas. If you have an infestation, you will probably find a few clinging to your socks. 

Can You See Fleas in Your House?

You can, but you need good eyes. The average flea is less than ⅛-inch long, which makes them hard to see, especially against fur or carpet. 

When inspecting an area, look for small dark-colored specks. Brown, black, or reddish colors are what to keep your eye out for. If you see something that color (and it moves), you may have found a flea. Of course, you may not see it for long. Fleas can jump an amazing distance with each leap – allowing them to disappear from view quite handily. 

Call Fox Pest Control for Flea Prevention

The best way to protect your home and family from fleas is to be proactive. Give us a call. We can identify any flea or tick problems you have, explain the plan to control them, and create preventive flea control treatments to help keep them from returning. Fox Pest Control is here to help. For more information, contact us today.