What Do Fleas Look Like to the Human Eye?

A flea infestation can be a major problem for a household. It’s important to treat the infestation quickly before it gets out of control. Where you live can also affect the level of infestation. Areas that are colder generally have less risk, while warm climates have a high risk. Fleas like warm and moist environments to reproduce.

Fleas look like tiny critters with long legs and thick “thighs.” They’re brown or black in color, and they’re wingless. Fleas have six legs, with their back legs longer than their forelegs. This allows them to jump up to eight inches, and sometimes up to 16 inches. Although they’re difficult to see with the naked eye, you can still spot an infestation.

Fleas are very hard to kill. While they’re able to hide in your pet’s fur, they’re difficult to remove with a toothbrush or nail clip. A good way to see if a flea is on your pet is to squish it between your fingers. Fleas are easily caught and squished, but they can also jump away unscathed.

Flea eggs can be spotted by the naked eye. Flea eggs are 0.5-0.6 millimeters long and oval in shape. They’re usually shiny and translucent. They resemble tiny grains of salt or dandruff. Unlike adult fleas, the eggs are not sticky and fall off of the pet’s fur.