Do Fleas Make Noise?

When fleas infest your home, you can sometimes hear them making noise. You can test this yourself by placing a piece of plastic in your ears. Then, try to listen to how often the fleas tap on the plastic. As the plastic gets depleted, the fleas will tap less often. In some cases, the noises they make will be like the clicking sound of a Geiger counter.

Fleas measure about one to three millimeters in length. Female fleas are larger than 2 mm, while male fleas are smaller than one millimeter. It is not easy to notice a single flea individually, but if you see a cluster of fleas hopping around, you’ll know you have an infestation.

The larvae of fleas are about an eighth of an inch long. They are flattened laterally and have large back legs. The adult flea has a piercing, sucking mouthpart and spines on its body and face. These spines lock into the hairs of a host. The adult flea’s fur has specks, which are dried blood that will turn brown when rehydrated.

If you suspect a flea infestation, the first thing you need to do is to check the bed for any evidence of fleas. Often, fleas live under the bed, so it is likely that their larvae and eggs are living under your mattress. Another early indicator of a flea infestation is your pet scratching itself excessively. In addition, you should also check for small, dark oval-shaped spots on the bed.