Fleas are tiny, fast-moving pests that often go unnoticed until they become a bigger problem. If you’ve ever wondered what fleas look like or how to tell them apart from other bugs, you’re not alone. These parasites can cause serious discomfort for both pets and people, especially during flea season in Australia.
Here's how to recognise what does a flea look like, what their different life stages look like, and what to do if you find them in your home.
Physical Characteristics of Fleas
So, how do fleas look like, really? Adult fleas are small, around 2 to 3 millimetres long, and reddish-brown in colour. They have flat, wingless bodies that help them move through your pet’s fur. Fleas have six legs, with large, powerful back legs built for jumping. They can leap more than 100 times their body length.
Their narrow shape makes them hard to crush, and their speed makes them difficult to catch. If you're wondering what does a flea look like up close, they often resemble tiny specks of dirt until they move.
Do Fleas Have Antennae?
The answer to the big question: do fleas have antennae? Yes, fleas have short antennae near the front of their heads. These are sensory tools that help them detect movement, heat, and the carbon dioxide we breathe out, which signals a nearby host.
Flea Eggs and Larvae
Fleas go through four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Flea eggs are small, white, and oval-shaped. They often fall off your pet and land in bedding, carpet, or floor cracks. After a few days, they hatch into larvae, which look like tiny white worms. These larvae feed on flea dirt and hide in dark, warm places like carpet fibres or under furniture.
If you're seeing tiny white specs or movement in your pet’s bed or on your sheets, you might be looking at flea eggs or larvae. Learn more in our article on fleas in bed signs.
Where Fleas Are Commonly Found
Fleas thrive in warm, humid environments. They're most commonly found in:
- Pet bedding and resting spots
- Carpets and rugs
- Upholstered furniture
- Cracks in floorboards and tiles
- Yard areas where pets play
Even if your pet looks clean, fleas can still be hiding in your home. Wondering, do groomers get rid of fleas? Many do offer flea baths and treatments, but at-home prevention is the most important.
Fleas vs Other Pests
Fleas can be confused with other small insects like bed bugs, lice, or ticks. Bed bugs are flatter and slower. Ticks are larger and rounder, and they crawl rather than jump. If you’re unsure what pest you’re dealing with, our article on the difference between fleas and ticks can help you figure it out.
How to Prevent a Flea Infestation
Prevention is easier than trying to control an outbreak. To stay ahead of flea problems:
- Use regular flea treatments for all pets in the home, compliance is key
- Wash pet bedding weekly in hot water
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture frequently
- Check your pets for fleas after walks or outdoor play
- Be extra vigilant during flea season in Australia
If you’re noticing increased scratching, black specks on bedding, or small red bites, these may be early signs of fleas in the house, and it’s best to act quickly.
Shop Trusted Flea Treatments at Healthy Pet Co
At Healthy Pet Co, we stock a carefully selected range of flea prevention and treatment products that are safe, effective, and vet approved. If you're not sure what does a flea look like and what to use as treatment, our team is here to help.
Explore our flea protection range today and stay one step ahead of these pesky parasites.
