Flea Facts

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• Fleas are small, dark brown, wingless insects that are extremely fast and difficult to see with the naked eye. Adults are about 2–3mm long and can jump up to 30cm.

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• They feed exclusively on the blood of mammals, including cats, dogs, humans, and other pets.

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• Fleas do not fly, but spread very easily through pets, wildlife, second-hand furniture, and clothing.

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• While they do not transmit serious diseases in the UK, their bites cause intense itching, skin irritation, and can trigger allergic reactions (flea allergy dermatitis) in pets and humans.

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• Fleas can survive for several months in the environment (in carpets, bedding, and floor cracks) even without a host.

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• Infestations often flare up suddenly in warmer months or after a period when the property has been empty.

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Biology of Fleas

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• Female fleas can lay up to 50 eggs per day, which fall off the host into carpets, bedding, and furniture.

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• Eggs hatch into larvae within 2–14 days. The larvae feed on organic debris and flea dirt before spinning cocoons.

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• The full life cycle (egg to adult) can take as little as 3 weeks in warm conditions, allowing infestations to explode rapidly.

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• Adult fleas spend most of their time on the host animal, while eggs, larvae, and pupae live in the environment.

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• Fleas are highly sensitive to warmth and movement, which is why they quickly find new hosts.

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Signs of Fleas

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• Frequent scratching or biting by pets (especially around the tail, groin, and legs)

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• Small, red, itchy bite marks on humans, usually on the ankles and lower legs

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• Tiny dark specks (flea dirt) on pet bedding, carpets, or furniture

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• Visible fleas jumping on pets or in the home (especially when disturbed)

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• Pale, rice-like flea eggs in pet bedding or on floors

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• Allergic skin reactions or hair loss in pets