800-837-5520 Call us for a free quote Contact us

Flea facts and information

Fleas are a common problem in homes, especially those with pets. You may discover a problem with fleas even if you do not have pets. This may occur if previous owners of your property kept cats or dogs or if common wildlife animals have made their way into the recesses in or around your home.

Fleas may also be carried on other, especially hairy, animals like rabbits, foxes, ratsmice and livestock such as pigs.

As parasites, the most significant concern about the presence of fleas in your home or business comes from their bites. Although these are not painful, they can result in an uncomfortable itch or rash. Your pets could also develop allergies to flea saliva.

If you need help with fleas, call Ehrlich today at 800-837-5520.

Contact your local flea control expert

* Required field

Download this report

Free Home Pest Inspections

Ehrlich specialists work hard to keep your home pest-free.

Flea control & prevention

Flea control is essential to safeguard both pets and humans from the various health risks associated with these pests. Fleas are not just a nuisance; they are external parasites capable of spreading diseases and triggering severe allergic reactions, including flea allergy dermatitis in pets. Effective flea control protects your home environment, reduces the risk of infestation, and keeps your pets healthy. For professional assistance, consider our flea pest control services to help eliminate and prevent fleas effectively.

Common signs of fleas include itchy, red bites on people or pets, black specks of "flea dirt" on bedding or carpets, visible adult fleas in warm areas, and excessive scratching or biting by pets, which can lead to flea allergy dermatitis.

To eliminate a flea population, it's critical to address both adult fleas and flea larvae, as fleas reproduce rapidly. Common steps to rid your home of fleas include vacuuming regularly, washing pet bedding, and treating pets with flea preventatives. However, DIY methods often fall short due to the flea life cycle. For a thorough solution, professional flea control services can target all life stages effectively.

Professional flea removal services address the infestation more comprehensively than standard at-home methods. Expert treatments focus on targeting adult fleas, flea larvae, and eggs, significantly reducing the chance of re-infestation. Technicians also provide guidance on preventing fleas in the future, helping ensure a long-term solution to your flea problem.

To help prevent fleas, regularly groom and treat your pets with veterinarian-recommended flea preventatives. Frequent vacuuming of carpets, rugs, and pet bedding helps remove flea eggs and larvae, reducing the chance of an infestation. Keeping your yard clean and free of debris can also minimize flea hosts and flea-hiding spots. After outdoor activities, especially in areas where fleas are common, inspect your pets to catch any fleas before they settle in.

Common flea species

Fleas are diverse, and understanding the various species helps with effective control. The following are some common species of fleas found in homes and on pets.

Ehrlich's flea control treatments

Although fleas do not have wings, they have incredibly powerful elongated legs. These allow them to jump long distances and move easily between you and your pets, leaving behind itchy bites. Successful flea control requires treatment of both your property and your pets if you have them.


At Ehrlich, we offer safe, effective treatments for your home or business to ensure complete control of your infestation. Our expert local exterminators understand the habits of flea species ensuring targeted treatments to get rid of all your fleas.

Flea diseases

Learn about the different diseases that can be transmitted by fleas

Fleas on your pet?

Do you wonder if your pet has fleas? Get the facts you need to know about fleas on dogs and cats.

Home pest control

Learn how Ehrlich's home pest control services can protect your residence

Flea bites are small, red, and itchy, often appearing in clusters around the ankles and lower legs in humans. On pets, bites commonly occur around the neck and back, causing discomfort. In cases of allergic reactions or secondary infections from bites, medical attention may be needed.

Flea life cycle and behavior

Understanding the flea life cycle is essential to effective control, as each stage requires specific treatment methods. Fleas undergo four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Stages of a flea’s life

  1. Eggs: Flea eggs are laid on the host animal and quickly fall off onto carpets or bedding.
  2. Larvae: Flea larvae feed on dried blood, organic debris, and flea droppings. They thrive in dark, humid areas.
  3. Pupae: During this stage, fleas are enclosed in cocoons, making them harder to eliminate.
  4. Adult Fleas: The adult flea emerges, ready to find a host and continue the flea life cycle.

How fleas reproduce and spread

Female fleas can lay up to 50 eggs per day, rapidly expanding the flea population in your home. Fleas can reproduce year-round if conditions are favorable, so timely control measures are critical to prevent infestation.

Flea habits and behavior

Fleas are highly resilient and can survive for extended periods without a host. They are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide and often jump onto animals or people when they sense a potential host nearby.

Frequently asked questions

How small are fleas?

Fleas are tiny, typically ranging from 1 to 4 mm in length. Their small, flat bodies make it easy for them to navigate through fur or carpeting undetected.

What is the lifespan of a flea?

An adult flea's lifespan can vary depending on environmental conditions but typically ranges from two weeks to several months. Fleas in the pupal stage can remain dormant for months and await favorable conditions.

What do fleas eat?

Fleas are blood-feeding parasites, relying on blood from animals or humans. Adult fleas feed on the host’s blood, while flea larvae typically consume the feces excreted by adults as well as dried blood.

What do fleas look like?

Adult fleas are wingless, reddish-brown, and have flat, narrow bodies that allow them to move quickly through animal fur. Their hind legs are strong, enabling them to jump long distances relative to their size.

How do fleas get into homes?

Fleas often hitch a ride on your pet, rodents, or wildlife that make their way into or near your homeEffective prevention and professional pest control can help reduce the likelihood of fleas entering your home.

Find your local branch

We were unable to access your location. Adjust your browser settings or enter your place or zip code above

Customized, industry-specific treatments to eliminate fleas with minimum disruption