Fleas are tiny, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. They are pros at crawling through fur, feathers, and hair to get to the skin beneath. These flightless insects can lay about a dozen eggs at a time and hatch quickly. And fleas can be dangerous, because they spread disease. Here’s how to tell if you’re dealing with a flea infestation and how to get rid of them for good.
Three Reasons Why Fleas Are Dangerous
1: Fleas spread easily, even though they do not fly. Instead, they JUMP from animal to animal or animal to human. They also spread through contact with things like infested bedding, furniture, clothing, rugs, or carpets.
2: They can cause skin irritation and other problems. The itching from flea bites can be intense, relentless, and absolutely annoying for pets and humans alike. Pets might scratch or gnaw at itchy flea bites until their skin is raw and bleeding. And in puppies and kittens, fleas can cause anemia by consuming too much of the little animal’s blood.
3: Fleas transmit diseases, some of which can be deadly. For instance, fleas have been known to carry tapeworms, typhoid, and even the bubonic plague!
How to Know If You Have a Flea Infestation
The main symptom of fleas is itching that does not go away. If your pet is biting, scratching, or rubbing across every available surface, take a closer look at their coat, bedding, and even your floor.
You might see:
- Small specks jumping or moving around
- A rash
- Pepper-like debris known as “flea dirt”
On humans, fleas typically bite the legs and ankles. When fleas bite, they leave a small red bump that often has a ring or halo around it. They might leave a series of bites in a line, or a group of bites in a cluster. Unlike mosquito bites, they don’t raise a welt. And their bite patterns are different from bedbugs, which usually leave a series of three bites in a triangular shape.
How to Get Rid of Fleas
If you think your pet has fleas, talk to your veterinarian. They may recommend one of the following techniques:
- Insecticides
- Special shampoos
- Pills
- Flea collars
Remember to always follow your vet’s instructions, especially for potent remedies.
For cleaning your house:
- Vacuum everywhere (including under the furniture) multiple times a day
- Wash all soft fabrics in hot water and dry on high heat
- Steam clean your carpets, sofas, and mattresses
It might take multiple passes to get everything flea free. If despite your best efforts you still cannot get rid of the fleas you might need to consider calling pest control or using a flea bomb. Just make sure that no one, pets included, is inside the home for this.
Veterinary Care You Won’t Want to “Flea” From
Concerned about your pet’s constant scratching and itching? Not sure if it’s fleas or an allergy? The veterinarians at East Valley Animal Hospital in Gilbert can help. We offer comprehensive care for all pets at reasonable prices, including flea and tick prevention.
If you’re ever concerned about your pet’s health, contact us to make an appointment, and we’ll do our best to help!
Photo by CDC on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 4/16/26.