Fleas
Ctenocephalides felis/canis
Fleas are tiny, wingless insects with laterally compressed bodies designed for moving through fur. They're dark reddish-brown and capable of jumping up to 150 times their body length. Their bites appe...
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How to Identify Fleas
Fleas are tiny, wingless insects with laterally compressed bodies designed for moving through fur. They're dark reddish-brown and capable of jumping up to 150 times their body length.
Fleas are tiny, wingless insects with laterally compressed bodies designed for moving through fur. They're dark reddish-brown and capable of jumping up to 150 times their body length. Their bites appear as small red dots, often in lines or clusters on ankles and lower legs.
Fleas Behavior & Habits
Understanding how fleas behave helps prevent infestations
Adult fleas spend most of their time on host animals (dogs, cats, wildlife). Females lay eggs that fall off hosts into carpets, bedding, and yards. Larvae develop in protected areas and can remain dormant in cocoons for months until vibration or CO2 triggers emergence. This is why vacated homes suddenly have flea explosions when new occupants arrive.
Fleas Risks & Dangers
What fleas can do to your health and property
Health Risks
Flea bites cause intense itching and allergic reactions. Fleas transmit diseases including murine typhus and can transmit tapeworms to pets and occasionally humans. Heavy infestations can cause anemia in pets.
Property Damage
No structural damage, but infestations require extensive treatment of home and yard for elimination.
Signs of Fleas Infestation
Look for these indicators in your home
Fleas in Boise & the Treasure Valley
Fleas are common throughout the Treasure Valley wherever pets are present. They can survive Idaho winters in protected locations and on wildlife. Most infestations begin when untreated pets encounter wildlife or other infested animals.
How We Eliminate Fleas
Professional treatment for complete elimination
Flea control requires treating pets (through veterinarian), the home interior (including growth regulators to stop the lifecycle), and the yard. Multiple treatments are usually needed due to the flea lifecycle—pupae are protected from treatments and will emerge over weeks.
How to Prevent Fleas
Steps you can take to reduce the risk of infestation
Fleas Questions Answered
Common questions about identification, prevention, and treatment
Why do I still have fleas after treatment?
Flea pupae in cocoons are protected from treatments. They continue emerging for 2-4 weeks after treatment. Multiple treatments and continued vacuuming are needed to break the cycle.
Can I get fleas without pets?
Yes. Fleas can come from wildlife in your yard, infested furniture, or previous occupants' pets. They can survive for months waiting for a host.
Similar Pests
Learn about other pests in this category