What Do Fleas Look Like to the Human Eye?
By Mary Brier
Fleas are perhaps the most commonly known pests that infect dogs, cats, and other furry
creatures. They can reproduce at an astonishing rate, as female fleas can lay up to 40 eggs per
day. Depending on the stage that your dog’s or cat’s fleas are in, you may need multiple
methods to completely banish the insects.
Fleas are a concern due to the itching and irritation they can cause pets, but that’s not all. Many
flea species spread tapeworms, murine typhus, and even the plague. These insects can also be
difficult to spot due to their size and color.
We’ll explain how to spot common signs of the bug, including what fleas look like to the human
eye and common signs of fleas on dogs and cats. We’ll also offer some strategies for quickly
eliminating infestations and preventing them from recurring.
What do fleas look like to the human eye?
Usually, to the naked human eye, fleas just look like tiny jumping dots, almost like static, coming off an animal’s fur. They are difficult to capture in a photo because they look just like tiny jumping brown and black specks.
The appearance of a flea depends on which stage of the life cycle it currently occupies. Adult fleas—ones that have hatched from their cocoons after the larvae stage—have the following characteristics:
- Size: Adult fleas usually measure 2–4 millimeters in length, although some species can reach 10 millimeters. Sesame seeds are comparable in size.
- Color: Fleas are usually dark brown or near-black in color. Many fleas may have a reddish tint.
- Shape: Fleas’ bodies are oval-shaped. They look flat from the side and narrow from the top. Its mouth is often too small to see with the naked eye, but you can often see its hind legs, which they use to jump onto hosts.
Image from Market Muse Creative
What do flea eggs look like?
Flea eggs are even more difficult to spot than adult fleas. They look much like white rice grains (off-white in color), but they only measure about half a millimeter. Flea eggs are usually oval-shaped.
What does flea dirt look like?
One common sign of flea infestations on dogs and cats is flea dirt, which gets its name from its resemblance to soil. However, flea dirt is not actually dirt at all but, instead, flea fecal matter. Flea dirt mostly consists of excreted blood, which flea larvae feed on after hatching from their eggs.
Flea dirt takes the appearance of small black flecks that strongly resemble pepper flakes. It usually forms in a tight cluster on a pet’s neck, lower back (near the tail base), or stomach, as well as carpets and bedding. Some people even mistake flea dirt for fleas themselves. Nevertheless, flea dirt is critical for fleas’ survival and signals the need for prompt medication.
A quick test can confirm the presence of flea dirt. Scrape a portion of the suspected flea dirt onto a damp paper towel. Fold the paper towel in half to spread the substance over as much damp surface area as possible. If the dirt takes a red or pinkish hue, you’ve got dried blood, which confirms the presence of flea dirt.
What do flea bites look like?
Flea bites appear as red, bumpy spots on pets and humans. Flea bites on dogs tend to occur near the base of the tail, on the stomach and groin, and in the armpits. If your pet constantly scratches one of these parts of their body, you should carefully examine their skin for signs of fleas. In rare cases, flea bites can lead to hair loss and skin infections.
How to get rid of fleas
So, you’ve done your due diligence and are sure your pet has fleas. What should you do next?
Your first order of business is treating your pet. To quickly get rid of existing fleas, bathe your pet in flea shampoo and comb their fur with a specialized comb. A good flea collar takes time to start working, but it can help guard against future infestations.
Simparica Trio Chewable Tablets kill and prevent flea infestations in dogs. They also help protect against heartworm, roundworm, hookworm, and five common types of ticks. For cats, we recommend Bravecto Plus Topical Solution, which has benefits similar to those of Simparica chewable tablets for dogs.
After you’ve taken care of your dog or cat, wash their bed and toys with hot water. Vacuum your floors and furniture thoroughly, and toss the bag in the trash when you’re done. A product like TropiClean Flea and Tick Spray for Home can also eliminate current pests.
How to prevent fleas
Targeted flea prevention starts with your pet. Ask your veterinarian to prescribe an oral medication to take once a month year-round or during the summer months. A few popular options are listed below:
Bravecto Chew for Dogs
- Quick-acting
- Tasty pork flavor
- Long-lasting chews
If your dog is picky about eating anything other than his regular food (or whatever’s on your plate), this might be the right product. Each chewable tablet lasts for 12 weeks, which is longer than almost any other over-the-counter flea and tick prevention.
Revolution Plus Topical Solution for Cats
- Targeted ointment
- Wide range of protection
This product from Revolution Plus combats fleas, ticks, roundworms, hookworms, and those pesky ear mites. It also helps prevent heartworm disease.
Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Cats
- Last for eight months
- Inexpensive treatment
If your cat tolerates a flea collar, we definitely recommend Seresto. Just put it around their neck for eight months of tick protection. Make sure you can fit two fingers between the collar and your kitten’s neck.
Apart from these over-the-counter treatments, regularly vacuuming and washing your pet’s bedding can cut down on the number of fleas you encounter. In your yard, be diligent about removing old wood piles, trash, and other debris that rodents (flea hosts) like to hide in.
Stay vigilant and be prepared for fleas
If you own a cat or dog, there’s a substantial chance they’ll be infested with fleas sometime during their life. It’s not fun for you or your pet, but having the right tools on hand to kill fleas as soon as they appear can minimize the itching and discomfort. Prevention is also key in keeping them happy and healthy.
As always, consult your pet’s veterinarian if over-the-counter methods don’t provide prompt relief or if you suspect something else is going on!
Author Bio:
Mary Brier is a writer, SEO expert, and managing co-founder of Inkless Writing Agency. She shares book reviews and writing advice on her YouTube channel, @siobhanbrieraguilar. She has traveled and lived throughout much of the Americas and is an avid animal lover. She lived for one year on the Galapagos Islands, meeting all sorts of creatures. She is the proud mother to a long-haired Jack Russel named Argo. You can sign up for her newsletter at siobhanbrier.com, get writing advice from inklessagency.com, or follow her on LinkedIn.
