Fleas Are Not Always Visible

Fleas are not always visible, but they are easy to identify by their bites. They have small, reddish bumps on the body, which are often grouped together. Flea bites are most often on the legs. The best way to prevent flea bites is to wear long-sleeved clothing and use a registered insect repellent.

Fleas are small, flightless insects. They are approximately one-eighth of an inch long, and are reddish-brown in color. Adult fleas are wingless and have six long legs, allowing them to jump up to 30cm. The adult flea has a lifespan of four to seven weeks and can produce 100 immature fleas per day. Fleas’ eggs are very small, measuring no more than 0.5mm in diameter. The eggs look like tiny white particles that resemble dandruff.

Fleas usually live on cats and dogs, but other animals, such as birds, can also be carriers of the disease. They do not live on people, but can live in carpets and on human hair. Fleas are more active at night, and they search for food while it is dark. The fleas will leave a trail of evidence of their presence on your clothes and other belongings.

The most obvious sign of flea infestation is excessive scratching. If your pet has a tendency to scratch excessively or has a hot spot on their skin, they have fleas.