What Do Fleas Look Like?

The Flea Low Down....

• What Size Are Fleas?

  Fleas are tiny insects, and their size varies depending on their life stage. Adult fleas are approximately 1-4 millimetres in length, which is about the size of a grain of sand. Due to their small size and ability to move quickly through fur and hair, they can be quite tricky to detect.

  Fleas undergo complete metamorphosis, progressing through four distinct life stages: egg, larvae, pupae, and adult. The size of a flea egg makes them even more challenging to notice, as they are miniscule, oval-shaped, and translucent.

• What Do Dog Fleas Look Like?

  Dog fleas (scientific name = Ctenocephalides Cani for all you brainboxes!), are one of the most common species of flea that infest dogs and other animals. Their appearance is quite similar to that of other flea species, but there are a few specific characteristics that can help you identify them. It’s important to note that dogs can also get fleas and vice versa! Sadly these pests don’t discriminate.

  Adult dog fleas are reddish-brown in colour and have a flat, narrow body, which allows them to move effortlessly through fur. They are equipped with some powerful back legs meaning they can jump impressive distances in proportion to their size. In fact, dog fleas can jump up to 150 times their body length, making them incredibly agile and frustrating if you try to catch them!

  When examining a dog flea up close, you may notice tiny hair-like bristles covering their bodies, which help their mobility and grip to your pet. Dog fleas also have mouthparts that are perfectly adapted for piercing the skin and feeding on the blood of your pooches.

  
  As mentioned earlier, dog fleas undergo a complete life cycle, beginning with tiny, oval-shaped, and white flea eggs. These eggs are typically laid on your pets but can fall off and accumulate in the surrounding environment.

• What Do Cat Fleas Look Like?

  Cat fleas (scientific name = Ctenocephalides Felis) are the most prevalent flea species that infest both cats and dogs worldwide. Whilst they closely resemble dog fleas, there are slight differences that can help distinguish between the two. But remember… cats can also get dog fleas and vice versa.

  Similar to dog fleas, adult cat fleas are reddish-brown in colour and have a flattened body shape. They possess the same impressive jumping ability, making them equally difficult to capture! The presence of bristles and mouthparts designed for blood-feeding is common in cat fleas, the same as with dog fleas.

  The primary difference between cat and dog fleas lies in their size. Cat fleas are slightly smaller, measuring about 1-2.5 millimetres in length. Though the difference is minimal, it can be an important factor in correctly identifying the species.

  Cat flea eggs, like those of dog fleas, are tiny and pearly white. Their small size and translucent appearance make them hard to detect, but they play a key role in the lifecycle of these bothersome creatures.

• What Do Flea Eggs Look Like?

  Flea eggs are a critical part of the flea lifecycle and are essential for continuing the infestation. As we’ve already mentioned, both dog and cat fleas lay small, oval-shaped eggs on your pets. These eggs are not sticky and can easily fall off and spread throughout your pet’s environment (and therefore yours!).

  
  Flea eggs are pearly white, oval-shaped, and measure only about 0.5 millimetres in length. Due to their small size and pale colour, they can easily blend into your pet's fur, carpets, bedding, and furniture. This makes them particularly difficult to spot with the naked eye, which is why understanding the flea lifecycle is crucial for effective control.

  
  Once flea eggs are laid, they typically hatch within 1 to 12 days, depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. The hatching larvae then seek out dark and humid places, like cracks in floors or carpets, to continue their development. Click here to learn more vital info on peak flea season.