Straight answers from a licensed New York exterminator and Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) — serving all five boroughs, in English and Spanish.
Get a Free Estimate →⏱ 2 min read
Quick answer: Fleas are tiny — about 1.5–3.3 mm — dark reddish-brown, wingless insects with bodies flattened side-to-side and powerful back legs built for jumping. They don’t fly; they jump (impressively far for their size). Flea bites are small, red, very itchy bumps, often in clusters or lines, usually around the ankles and lower legs. Fleas are almost always tied to pets or other warm-blooded animals.
What fleas look like
Up close, a flea is a dark, shiny, narrow insect that looks “thin” from the side because it’s compressed laterally — the opposite of a flat-from-above bed bug. That shape lets it slip through fur. You’ll rarely get a clear look because they move fast and jump; more often you’ll spot them on a pet, in bedding, or as tiny dark specks (“flea dirt”) that turn reddish-brown when wet.
Fleas vs. bed bugs (a common mix-up)
Both are small and bite, but: fleas jump, are flattened side-to-side, and are tied to pets; bed bugs can’t jump, are flattened top-to-bottom, and cluster near the bed. Bite location helps too — flea bites favor ankles and legs, while bed bug bites often appear on areas exposed while sleeping. See bugs that look like bed bugs.
Flea bites and why they itch
Flea bites are small red dots, often with a lighter halo, in groups or short lines, and they’re intensely itchy. Reactions vary by person and pet sensitivity. While generally a nuisance, fleas can transmit certain pathogens and tapeworms to pets, so they’re worth handling promptly.
Where they come from and how to control them
Fleas usually arrive on pets, wildlife (rodents, strays), or secondhand furniture, then lay eggs that fall into carpet, bedding, and floor cracks — which is why the environment, not just the pet, has to be treated. Control combines vet-directed pet treatment, thorough vacuuming (including under furniture), hot-washing pet bedding, and targeted treatment of the home, repeated to catch newly hatched fleas.
Dealing with a flea problem? Treating the pet alone rarely ends it — the home needs attention too. New York Exterminating’s NYC flea control is led by an Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) with a low-exposure plan. Call (347) 210-4646.
A Brooklyn-based, NYSDEC-registered company (Reg. #15140) led by Jorge Bedoya, an Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE). For pests in your home or building, NYE provides IPM-based, low-exposure control matched to the exact pest and verified with a follow-up. ACE-led work comes with a client portal of service reports and photos, fully bilingual service, and no long-term contract.
Fleas — FAQ
What do fleas look like to the naked eye?
Tiny (1.5–3.3 mm), dark reddish-brown, narrow insects that jump. You’ll often notice them on pets or as black “flea dirt” specks before getting a clear look.
How can I tell flea bites from bed bug bites?
Flea bites cluster around ankles and lower legs and are tied to pets; bed bug bites tend to be on areas exposed during sleep. Fleas jump; bed bugs don’t.
Do fleas live on humans?
They prefer furry hosts and don’t typically live on people, but they will bite humans, especially around the legs.
How do I get rid of fleas?
Treat pets (with your vet), vacuum thoroughly, hot-wash bedding, and treat the home — repeating after a couple of weeks to catch newly hatched fleas. Professional treatment speeds this up.
