Are you just trying to enjoy your yard and outdoor spaces but you come back inside with dozens of bites? Are you struggling to identify what insect might be causing these bites? Well you might have a flea infestation. Generally speaking, there are only a few insects that can bite you multiple times without being spotted, and fleas are by far the most common! In this article we’ll be breaking down what do fleas look look like, how to identify fleas, and finally how to keep your lawn flea free!
What Do Fleas Look Like To The Human Eye?
Fleas are extremely small, and that’s why they can be easy to miss. Fleas generally are dark colored, generally a dark red clay color, but they can also be yellow or dark brown. Adult fleas grow to only 2.5mm in size, which is slightly bigger than the tip of a pencil, which means they can be extremely difficult to find.
If you have pets, then it’s important to check their fur for fleas since fleas are blood sucking insects. When looking for fleas on your pets, I recommend using a comb and combing through their fur looking for little dark dots on and in their fur. To the naked eye, fleas will look like dark oval shaped dots, with a hard outer shell, with long legs. Because fleas suck blood, you’ll also have to check the skin of your pet rather than just the fur itself.
What Do Fleas Look Like Under A Microscope?
When looking at fleas with the human eye, it can be difficult to really see their anatomy because they are so small. But when you put them under a microscope then you’ll get a better idea of what fleas actually look like.
The majority of a fleas body is made up of their large oval abdomen, they then have an extremely small sized head for their body. Along with this they have 6 long legs that allow them to jump off the grass and shrubs in your yard onto yourself and your pets. Many people wonder if fleas have wings because they might see them flying through the air, but they actually don’t have wings it’s just their impressive jumping ability.
How Do I Know If I Have A Flea Infestation?
There are several signs that can indicate the presence of fleas in your yard. Here are some common indicators to look out for:
- Frequent bites: If you or your pets are frequently getting bitten by small insects while spending time in your yard, it could be a sign of fleas.
- Pet scratching: If your pets are constantly scratching, biting, or licking themselves, especially around their hindquarters, it may be due to flea infestation. Check their fur for adult fleas or tiny black specks (flea dirt) that indicate their presence.
- Visible fleas: In some cases, you may be able to spot fleas jumping or crawling in your yard. Fleas are small, brownish insects, about 1/8 inch in size, and they move quickly.
- Flea dirt: Flea dirt, which is actually flea feces, looks like black pepper or tiny specks of dirt. You may find it on your pet’s fur or in areas where your pets spend time in the yard, such as resting areas or bedding.
- Presence of hosts: Fleas need hosts to survive and reproduce. If you have wildlife, such as squirrels, raccoons, or feral cats, frequenting your yard, they could bring fleas with them.
If you suspect that you have fleas in your yard, it’s important to take action to eliminate them. You can consult with a pest control professional who can provide advice or treatment options specific to your situation. Donnie Shelton from EnviroCon Pest Control states that “fleas are some of the only insects that can and will bite you multiple times without being seen. Generally with mosquitoes you’ll see them as they are flying around you, but that’s not always the case with fleas.”.
Additionally, regular pet grooming, vacuuming your home, and maintaining a clean yard can help reduce the risk of flea infestations.
If you’re looking for how to get rid of a flea infestation, take a look at our guide on the best flea treatments for yards!
Final Thoughts On What Do Fleas Look Like?
Fleas are tiny little pests but they can pack quite the punch in terms of their bites and how annoying they can be.
If you’re receiving multiple bites in your yard but not seeing the culprit, you’re probably dealing with a flea infestation. I hope this guide on what do fleas look like has helped educate you enough that you’ll be able to identify a flea infestation and begin to get rid of it!
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