Want to get rid of fleas? Join the club. Fleas have been making us itchy for a long time. In fact, scientists estimate<\/a> that the fleas living amongst us today have been here for at least 40 to 50 million years.<\/p>\n So they\u2019ve had plenty of time to perfect their bloodsucking craft, spread panic and disease, and eke out a solid place in human history.<\/p>\n So much so that once you go looking, you\u2019ll be astounded by how much the humble flea has influenced both history and art. They\u2019ve featured in classic poems by the likes of Jonathan Swift and John Donne. They\u2019ve inspired fine paintings, such as The Flea by Giuseppe Maria Crespi and The Flea Catcher by Georges de La Tour.<\/p>\n Fleas have even worked their influence into compositions \u2013 The Song of the Flea by Modest Mussorgsky \u2013 and cinema via Charlie Chaplin. <\/p>\n And who can forget their role in the Black Death, the plague that killed an estimated 50 million people throughout Asia, Europe and Africa. <\/p>\n Pretty large impact for such a small pest, huh?<\/p>\n But you\u2019re not interested in fleas for their historical significance. No, you want to know exactly what fleas are and what they do so you can get busy eradicating them from your life. <\/p>\n By the end of this article, you\u2019ll be an expert in all things fleas. And more than equipped to fight this menace that\u2019s been plaguing us for centuries. Let\u2019s get to it.<\/p>\n By their simplest definition, fleas are small, reddish-brown, wingless and flightless parasites with three pairs of legs. And when we say small, we mean very, very tiny. <\/p>\n Measuring around 1 to 3 millimeters when they\u2019re fully grown, fleas are visible to the human eye, but very easy to miss. <\/p>\n This is especially true when it comes to fleas in their pre-adult life stages. If you think adult fleas are hard to spot, just imagine trying to find a flea egg that\u2019s about the size of a grain of salt. Or even trickier \u2013 colorless flea pupae that are camouflaged by dirt and debris.<\/p>\n What Do Fleas Look Like? 50 Pictures of Fleas and Flea Bites<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n It is exactly this ability to evade detection that makes fleas such a persistent pest.<\/p>\n Because while you\u2019re blissfully unaware that you even have a flea problem, those fleas are busy, well, gettin\u2019 busy.<\/em> If you know what we mean, wink wink<\/em>. <\/p>\n In case you don\u2019t know what we mean, we\u2019ll spell it out for you: fleas breed like crazy. <\/p>\n Once a young female flea has had her first blood meal, she\u2019s ready to start making babies. And she does so like a champion, laying around 20 to 50 eggs per day. In her lifetime, a female flea can lay as many as 2,000 eggs. <\/p>\n Want more flea facts to help you understand your foe?<\/p>\n 19 Shocking Flea Facts You Need to Know to Defeat Them<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n This outsized breeding ability is at the crux of the flea problem. Let\u2019s dive in.<\/p>\n In short, fleas eat, mate and reproduce. But actually, that\u2019s just what adult fleas do. <\/p>\n For most of their lives, fleas are actually busy growing and maturing into the pesky, jumping bloodsuckers we know and hate.<\/p>\n The flea life cycle goes like this: <\/p>\n With each female flea resulting in thousands of flea babies, it\u2019s easy to see how a flea infestation can get out of hand quickly. In fact, in any flea infestation, the jumping, biting adult fleas are only about 5% to 10% of the total flea population! <\/p>\n The rest is made up of flea eggs, flea larvae and flea larvae.<\/p>\n We don\u2019t want to get you down but it\u2019s important you understand what you\u2019re up against as you go into this war with fleas.<\/p>\n Because it\u2019s staggering to think, isn\u2019t it? The majority of the flea army is hidden and growing, always ready to supply fresh forces. <\/p>\n This is why flea eggs are the most crucial battle you\u2019ll fight in your war on fleas. <\/p>\n Flea Eggs: The Most Crucial Battle in the War on Fleas<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n But it doesn\u2019t stop there \u2013 the unique characteristics of fleas in their juvenile life stages make them very difficult to kill. For starters, flea eggs are tiny and white, making it easy for them to evade detection. <\/p>\n And it goes downhill from there. Literally. You see, flea eggs aren\u2019t sticky at all. Once a female flea lays her eggs \u2013 usually on her host (aka your pet) \u2013 the eggs roll off and scatter around the home. That means a flea infestation is never confined to one spot.<\/p>\n Even worse, when flea larvae hatch from the eggs, they actively avoid the light and worm their way into the dark, warm recesses of your home, such as deep in the carpets or cracks in the floorboard. <\/p>\n Flea larvae have no reason to venture out because at this stage, they don\u2019t need to suck your blood. Nope, they\u2019re content to hide and feed on the feces of adult fleas, which have all the protein content they need to grow. <\/p>\n Last but not least, flea pupae are no easier to deal with. Shielded in the protective cover of their cocoons, flea pupae are resistant to most of the pesticides you can throw at them.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re feeling defeated by all this bad news, don\u2019t despair. We are only giving you the facts so that you don\u2019t underestimate what you\u2019re up against. <\/p>\n Fleas may be tiny but they are a mighty foe. The good news is that humans have been fighting them for centuries and we know how to defeat this enemy. Let\u2019s start with the basics.<\/p>\n Most people know the basic signs of fleas: excessive scratching caused by flea bites. Because good god, are flea bites itchy!<\/p>\n And unlike bed bug bites, which you won\u2019t feel at first and most people don\u2019t even have reactions to, flea bites can be felt pretty much immediately. Which is exactly what makes them one of the best signs that you have fleas. <\/p>\n >>>Flea Bites 101: Everything You Need to Know About Flea Bites<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n But many more subtle signs of fleas can easily go unnoticed, especially if you don\u2019t know what to look for. <\/p>\n How to Tell If You Have Fleas: 9 Unmistakable Signs of Fleas<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n And you can\u2019t afford to waste time being blissfully unaware of fleas. Because these champion breeders will be losing no time multiplying like there\u2019s no tomorrow. <\/p>\n This is why we are such big fans of flea traps. These low-tech, easy-to-set-up devices allow you to quickly assess whether you do, indeed, have fleas.<\/p>\n >>>What\u2019s the Best Flea Trap? And Do Flea Traps Even Work?<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n They\u2019re even useful throughout your war with fleas since they\u2019ll clue you in on the size of your (hopefully dwindling) flea population. <\/p>\n There\u2019s good reason why the majority of people who get fleas are pet owners. Our dogs and cats bring love, joy, and the coziest cuddles into our lives. But they also often bring fleas.<\/p>\n Yup, the most common way for fleas to gain entry into your home is by sneaking a ride on your beloved pet. <\/p>\n Of course, pets are not the only way. In fact, it\u2019s entirely possible, albeit unlucky, to have fleas without pets. <\/p>\n Got Fleas Without Pets? Here\u2019s Why and What to Do About It<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Fleas can enter your home on that piece of used furniture you got a great deal on. You might even bring them in on your clothes. The cute rabbit or squirrel that visits your garden may have dispersed some fleas in your yard. <\/p>\n But the truth is, the usual culprit behind a flea infestation is usually your precious pet. And it needs to be dealt with STAT. Because not only is your pet most likely miserable from flea bites, fleas can pose real dangers like skin infection and even anemia, especially for very young or older pets. <\/p>\n Here\u2019s everything you need to know to get rid of fleas on pets.<\/p>\n NOTE:<\/strong> Dogs and cats both get fleas. But products that work for dogs are not necessarily safe for use on cats. Cats have sensitive metabolisms, tend to be smaller than dogs and endlessly groom themselves, meaning that what you put on their bodies are more likely to be ingested. <\/p>\n Always, always check that the product is specified as safe on dogs and\/or cats before using it on your cat. <\/p>\n Even flea products that are safe to use on both dogs and cats have small differences that are adapted to be best for either canine or feline. Case in point: flea combs. <\/p>\n What\u2019s the Best Flea Comb for Cats and Dogs? (Yes, There\u2019s a Difference)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The very first thing you want to do is to make sure that your dog actually has fleas<\/a>. This isn\u2019t a complicated process at all but you need to know what to be on the lookout for.<\/p>\n If your dog does have fleas, you may suddenly have a bunch of questions. Where did your dogs get fleas from? Can fleas harm \u2013 or even kill \u2013 your dog? Can you get fleas from your dog? Let\u2019s get those questions cleared up first<\/a>.<\/p>\n As you now know, fleas are rarely lethal for dogs. That\u2019s the good news. But flea bites are ridiculously itchy and are causing your dog a world of misery. If left untreated, your dog may desperately scratch and bite at his skin, leading to irritation, broken skin, and infection. <\/p>\n Nobody needs that. Let\u2019s get your poor pooch some much-needed relief<\/a>.<\/p>\n Now that your dog has gotten some immediate relief, let\u2019s get to killing all the fleas ravaging his poor furry body. <\/p>\n When it comes to flea treatments for dogs, the two big contenders are flea shampoos and flea collars. Click on the articles below to see how they work, the pros and cons, and the best ones to choose. <\/p>\n FLEA SHAMPOO<\/p>\n FLEA COLLARS<\/p>\n But whereas shampoos and collars rank amongst the most popular, they are by no means the only options when it comes to flea treatments for dogs. In fact, fleas on dogs have been a problem for so long that the market has developed a huge range of products.<\/p>\n So you\u2019ve got choices. Which are the best ones and how do they stack up? Here\u2019s the list of the most effective flea treatments for dogs<\/a> to choose from.<\/p>\n And professionally-made products aren\u2019t the only options you have. In fact, there are a handful of home remedies for fleas you can use on your dog<\/a> (and some you should skip).<\/p>\n The good news is that once you\u2019ve treated your dog, you\u2019ll both feel a lot better. But it\u2019s not yet time to pop the champagne. <\/p>\n Your dog may have been ground zero for the flea infestation but chances are, the infestation has already spread around your house. And if there are fleas still lurking in your home, your bed, your garden \u2013 it\u2019s just a matter of time before your dog is re-infested. <\/p>\n You\u2019ll want to read out most comprehensive guide to get rid of fleas on your dog. Forever.<\/p>\n How to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs Forever: The Ultimate Guide<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Last but not least, once your dog is free of fleas, you\u2019ll want to make sure he stays that way. But you may not be comfortable with constantly bathing him in flea shampoos that contains pesticides or strapping a pesticidal flea collar on him. <\/p>\n We get that. Here<\/a> are your best options when it comes to natural flea repellents for dogs.<\/p>\n When your cat starts itching and behaving strangely, it\u2019s easy to jump to the assumption that its fleas. But there are at least a handful of other conditions that can lead to itchiness and irritation like a food intolerance, house dust or pollen allergies, ear mites or even bacterial infections. <\/p>\n And you don\u2019t want to go through the rigamarole of flea treatments for cats without making sure that it is, indeed, fleas you\u2019re dealing with. So let\u2019s make sure first<\/a>.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve determined that your cat has fleas, you\u2019ll probably have a million questions swarming in your head. How did your indoor cat get fleas? Can these fleas seriously harm or even kill your cat? Can you get fleas from your cat? Let\u2019s nip these questions in the bud before we get into the business of killing fleas. <\/p>\n >>>Fleas on Cats 101: 8 Cat Flea Facts You Need to Know<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Now that we\u2019ve got that settled, it\u2019s time for the fun part: killing fleas on your cat. You may be tempted to put your cat out of its misery right away. You may already be on the verge Google-ing home remedies for fleas on cats. And why wouldn\u2019t you be? You want to provide some immediate relief. STAT!<\/p>\n But not all home remedies for fleas are safe for cats. And as we already mentioned, you do need to tread carefully about what you put on your cat since felines tend to be more sensitive than canines. <\/p>\n Here\u2019s what you need to know about home remedies for fleas on cats<\/a>.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not a home remedy, but if you\u2019re looking for immediate relief for your cat, one of the easiest ways to quickly and effectively kill off the majority of fleas living, breeding and feeding on your cat is to use a flea shampoo<\/a>.<\/p>\n But of course, flea shampoos are far from the only option.<\/p>\n There is a huge range of flea products for cats on the market so to make life easier for you, we\u2019ve compiled a list of the best ones. Check it out to find out how each one works and its various pros and cons. <\/p>\n Best Flea Treatment for Cats: Top 9 Options Reviewed and Compared<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n WARNING<\/strong>: If your cat is still a kitten, you should avoid many of the typical flea products for cats. Cats in general are more sensitive than dogs and kittens, with their underdeveloped immune systems, are even more at risk of harm. Here\u2019s a guide on how to treat kittens for fleas<\/a>.<\/p>\n On a similar vein, if you have an older cat or an immunocompromised cat, you may be wary of using any pesticide-based flea products on your vulnerable feline. Lucky for you, there are a couple completely natural options to get rid of fleas on your cat<\/a>.<\/p>\n We should tell you, though, that most of the natural options are not a speedy solution. But they are completely natural and safe so there is peace of mind.<\/p>\n Last but not least, once you\u2019ve fought the good fight and freed your cat of fleas, you\u2019ll want to make sure they never return. Whereas flea collars and spot-on flea treatments will do the trick, it never hurts to have some natural options<\/a> as well.<\/p>\n As soon as you\u2019ve confirmed that you have fleas, the bloodbath can begin. But first, you\u2019ll have to know where the fleas are hiding so you can wage battle in the most strategic places.<\/p>\n Duh, you say. It\u2019s your pets that are ground zero, right?<\/p>\n Where Do Fleas Hide? 5 Most Common Flea Hiding Spots<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Sure, pets are a common flea hiding spot. But when it comes to most flea infestations, the population of fleas will have spread far beyond your furry friends. And there are some surprising spots you may overlook to your detriment. <\/p>\n Before we go on the offense and start killing fleas, let\u2019s take care of defense first. Because if you\u2019re living with fleas, you\u2019re probably very, very itchy.<\/p>\n And it\u2019s hard to think straight when you constantly just want to scratch yourself.<\/p>\n Best Flea Repellent for Humans: 5 Perfect Ways to Prevent Flea Bites<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Once you\u2019ve put a stop to flea bites, you can focus your energy to bringing the war to these bloodsucking pests.<\/p>\n It is not hard to kill a flea. They\u2019re tiny and defenseless. <\/p>\n Soapy water will kill fleas. Heat will kill fleas<\/a>. Extreme cold kills fleas<\/a> (but it needs to be very cold). A handful of home remedies kills fleas<\/a>. Diatomaceous earth kills fleas<\/a>. In fact, a couple powders are very good for killing fleas.<\/p>\n >>>What\u2019s the Best Flea Powder (And Does Flea Powder Work?)<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The true challenge to killing fleas is killing them ALL \u2013 and that means every flea, in every life stage. And that\u2019s where things get tricky.<\/p>\n How to Kill Fleas: 12 Most Effective Ways to Kill Fleas in All Life Stages<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n That\u2019s because the best flea killers for adult fleas often don\u2019t work on juvenile fleas. And flea pupae? Forget it, those buggers are resistant to most pesticides and nearly impossible to kill. <\/p>\n In fact, one of the only weapons that works against flea pupae is the humble vacuum. <\/p>\n >>>What\u2019s the Best Vacuum for Fleas? (And Why It\u2019s Your #1 Weapon)<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n So to really kill fleas, you need a multi-pronged strategy that combines several flea killers in order to kill fleas in all life stages. We list all the best ones above. Enjoy the ensuing carnage.<\/p>\n Killing fleas requires a multi-pronged solution that targets fleas in all life stages. And getting rid of fleas permanently is the same \u2013 you need a holistic plan to purge fleas and their spawn from everywhere they may have set up camp.<\/p>\n That means it\u2019s not enough to just treat your pets. <\/p>\n Even if Ozzy Pawsborne or Chairman Meow were the original source of the flea infestation, the flea eggs that were laid on their furry bodies have already rolled off and scattered the flea population all over your home.<\/p>\n So to really and truly get rid of fleas, you\u2019ll have to treat everything. <\/p>\n Let\u2019s start with the easiest \u2013 yourself.<\/p>\n >>>How to Get Rid of Fleas on Humans (and Keep Them Off)<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Then let\u2019s secure your most sacred living space: your bed.<\/p>\nWhat are fleas?<\/h2>\n
![\"what](\"https:\/\/pesthacks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/what-do-fleas-look-like2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"can](\"https:\/\/pesthacks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/can-you-see-fleas.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"pictures](\"https:\/\/pesthacks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/what-do-fleas-look-like.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"facts](\"https:\/\/pesthacks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/flea-facts-edited.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat do fleas do?<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n
![\"life](\"https:\/\/pesthacks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/flea-life-cycle.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nWhy are fleas so hard to get rid of?<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pesthacks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/what-do-flea-eggs-look-like-1024x534.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nDo I have fleas?<\/h2>\n
![\"do](\"https:\/\/pesthacks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/signs-of-fleas-anemia-edited.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow do you get fleas?<\/h2>\n
![\"fleas](\"https:\/\/pesthacks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/fleas-without-pets-edited-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"best](\"https:\/\/pesthacks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/best-flea-comb-for-dogs-edited.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow do you get rid of fleas on dogs?<\/h2>\n
![\"best](\"https:\/\/pesthacks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/best-flea-shampoo-for-dogs-edited.jpg\")
<\/a>![\"best](\"https:\/\/pesthacks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/flea-collars-for-dogs-edited.jpg\")
<\/a>![\"how](\"https:\/\/pesthacks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/how-to-get-rid-of-fleas-on-dogs.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow do you get rid of fleas on cats?<\/h2>\n
![\"best](\"https:\/\/pesthacks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/best-flea-treatment-for-cats-edited-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhere do fleas hide?<\/h2>\n
![\"where](\"https:\/\/pesthacks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/where-do-fleas-hide.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow do you repel fleas?<\/h2>\n
![\"best](\"https:\/\/pesthacks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/best-flea-repellent-for-humans.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow do you kill fleas?<\/h2>\n
![\"how](\"https:\/\/pesthacks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/diatomaceous-earth-to-kill-fleas-edited.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow do you get rid of fleas permanently?<\/h2>\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/pesthacks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/how-to-get-rid-of-fleas-in-carpet-edited.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"how](\"https:\/\/pesthacks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-rid-of-fleas-edited.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n