Fleas
Fleas are tiny jumping insects that feed on pets, wildlife, and people. In South Florida, warm weather allows flea activity to continue nearly year-round, especially where pets rest or wildlife passes through.
Indoor flea problems often start when eggs fall from pets into carpet, bedding, furniture, or cracks in flooring.
Early flea control can reduce visible adults, but eggs and pupae often survive unless the home, pets, and outdoor source areas are handled together.
What Fleas Look Like
Fleas are small, dark, wingless insects with flattened bodies and powerful back legs built for jumping.
Key identifying features include:
- Tiny dark brown bodies, usually 1-3 mm long
- Fast jumping movement
- No wings
- Small dark specks of flea dirt in pet bedding
- Itchy bites often around ankles or lower legs
Behavior and Hiding Habits
Fleas spend much of their life cycle away from the pet. Eggs, larvae, and pupae hide in protected places until vibration, warmth, or carbon dioxide triggers adults to emerge.
Common flea zones include:
- Pet bedding and resting areas
- Carpet, rugs, and upholstered furniture
- Baseboards and floor cracks
- Shaded outdoor areas where pets or wildlife rest
- Under decks, porches, and crawl spaces
Signs of a Flea Infestation
- Pets scratching, biting, or grooming excessively
- Small jumping insects on floors or furniture
- Bites around ankles and lower legs
- Flea dirt in pet bedding or fur
- Activity continuing after basic cleaning
Flea problems can persist because immature stages are hidden in fabrics and floor gaps.
Flea FAQs
Can fleas live without pets?
Why do fleas come back after vacuuming?
Can I treat fleas myself?
Do I need to treat my yard?
Should my pet be treated too?
Get Your Free Bed Bug Treatment Quote
Flea control works best when the full life cycle is addressed. Our team treats key indoor and outdoor areas and helps you reduce the conditions that keep fleas active.
Request your free flea control quote today.
Why Fleas Are a Problem
- Fast reproduction: One flea problem can grow quickly
- Hidden life stages: Eggs and pupae stay protected in fabrics and cracks
- Pet discomfort: Fleas cause scratching, irritation, and stress
- Recurring sources: Wildlife and shaded yard areas can restart activity
- Difficult timing: Adults may emerge after treatment as pupae mature
How to Get Rid of Fleas
What You Can Do First:
- Wash pet bedding on hot settings
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, furniture, and baseboards often
- Dispose of vacuum contents outside
- Reduce clutter where larvae can hide
- Use veterinarian-approved pet prevention
DIY flea sprays often miss eggs and pupae, which can restart the infestation.
Professional Treatment (Recommended):
Professional flea control targets the areas where fleas develop and helps break the life cycle indoors and outdoors.
Prevention Tips
- Keep pets on veterinarian-recommended prevention
- Wash bedding and soft pet items regularly
- Vacuum high-use pet areas frequently
- Limit wildlife access under decks and sheds
- Maintain shaded yard areas where pets rest
When to Call a Professional
If fleas keep biting after cleaning or pet treatment, the property may have hidden life stages or outdoor source areas.
Our technicians can inspect the home and yard, identify problem zones, and apply targeted flea treatments.
