Fleas are some of the biggest pests around, and if you have a pet that shares a bed with you, it’s common to find these annoying insects nestled in your sheets at night.
Fortunately, this is an easy problem to solve – especially if you know what to look out for. We’ll go over the main signs of fleas in your bed, explain how to get rid of them, and provide some ways to prevent an infestation in the future.
Waking up covered in itchy red bites is never fun Unfortunately, this can be a telltale sign that fleas have infested your bed. Getting rid of these pesky parasites requires inspecting your bedding closely and using thorough cleaning methods. Being able to identify signs of fleas can help you address an infestation before it gets out of hand
How Fleas Spread to Beds
Fleas are tiny wingless insects that survive by feeding on the blood of humans and animals. They do not fly or jump very high but they are excellent at leaping from host to host. The two most common flea species found in homes are cat fleas and dog fleas.
Pets are the primary way that fleas enter bedrooms. Dogs and cats sleeping on or around beds can transport flea eggs and adults in their fur. The eggs then drop onto sheets and mattresses, where they hatch into larvae.
Adult fleas also end up in beds by biting pets in the home and then jumping onto bedding in search of another blood meal. Their flattened bodies allow them to hide in creases and seams.s may even carry fleas inside on clothing after being outdoors. Since fleas are attracted to warmth, they can cling to garments and travel into the bedroom.
Recognizing Evidence of Fleas
Because fleas are under 1/8 inch long, they can be difficult to see. However, there are several clues that point to their presence.
Bites on Skin
Flea bites often show up around ankles and legs. They can also appear on arms, especially on people who allow pets to sleep near their head. Bites look like small red bumps, sometimes with a light-colored halo. They tend to be clustered in groups and very itchy.
People with flea bite allergies may develop hives, swelling, and rashes. Seek medical care if you have difficulty breathing after being bitten.
Flea Dirt
A key sign of fleas is flea dirt, also called flea feces. This waste matter looks like tiny black dots, similar to ground pepper. Flea dirt contains digested blood and indicates that fleas have been actively feeding in an area.
Check bedding, mattresses, and carpets near the bed for these dark specks. Run any suspicious dirt under water to see if it turns reddish, confirming that it’s flea excrement.
Increased Scratching in Pets
Pets with fleas become very itchy. You may notice dogs and cats scratching or biting themselves more than normal. Check their bellies and around their tails for signs of fleas or flea dirt. The parasites are easiest to spot on pale fur.
Excessive scratching can lead to skin infections, hair loss, and anemia in pets. Have your veterinarian examine any animals exhibiting these symptoms.
Flea Eggs
Adult female fleas can lay up to 50 sticky, whitish eggs per day, about the size of a grain of salt. These oval eggs often end up in an animal’s bedding or on furniture and carpet that pets frequent.
Use a bright flashlight to inspect these areas closely, especially around seams and tufts where eggs can hide. You may be able to see the tiny larvae wriggling around inside eggs that are about to hatch.
Flea Larvae
Eggs hatch into larvae about 1-10 days after being laid. These worm-like creatures are just visible to the naked eye. They avoid light and require high humidity levels to mature.
Search for larvae in shag carpeting and under furniture edges. Their bodies contain black, partially digested blood that gives them a dark appearance.
Adult Fleas
Catching sight of adult fleas requires patience and luck. Place white socks on the floor or furniture overnight to attract them, then check quickly for any specks jumping onto the socks.
Their dark reddish-brown bodies are tough enough that you won’t easily be able to crush them between your fingers. A magnifying glass helps spot them on your pet’s skin, where they can hide undetected at the base of hairs.
Eliminating a Flea Infestation
Once fleas move into your bed, they can multiply quickly. A diligent treatment plan is needed to halt their life cycle. Here are some key steps:
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Treat all pets in the home with flea prevention medication prescribed by your veterinarian. Flea collars can also help repel and kill fleas on animals.
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Wash all bedding and blankets in hot water above 130°F to kill fleas and eggs. This should be done at least weekly until the infestation clears.
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Vacuum mattresses, floors, and furniture thoroughly to remove flea life stages. Discard vacuum bags right away.
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Use flea powder or spray in infested areas. These products kill flea adults, eggs, and larvae on contact.
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Steam clean carpets and upholstered furniture to penetrate deep down for hidden eggs and larvae.
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Consider hiring an exterminator if fleas remain after trying these approaches. They can treat the full home.
With diligence and repetition, these strategies will eventually rid your bed of fleas. Prevent reinfestation by using flea and tick medication monthly on pets and vacuuming often.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
Although fleas don’t live long away from an animal host, they reproduce rapidly. Females can lay hundreds of eggs in their lifetime.
These eggs hatch and go through larval and pupal stages in as little as two weeks, emerging as hungry adults eager to bite. Just a few overlooked fleas can lead to a full-blown infestation.
Fleas can also transmit tapeworms and diseases to humans and pets. The sooner you gain control over a flea problem, the better for your health and comfort.
Don’t resign yourself to nights of scratching. Inspect your bed carefully and use the removal methods outlined here to send these pests packing for good. Sleep peacefully knowing your bed has been restored to a flea-free zone.
Adult Fleas on Bed
Fleas probably won’t live in your bed for long, but you might find them there for a little while. Unlike bedbugs, which are flat and oval-shaped, fleas are long and narrow.
Six Common Signs of Fleas in Your Bed
With over 2,500 different species of fleas, there’s plenty of opportunity for these annoying pests to find your pet. But fleas don’t just cause your dog or cat to scratch furiously – they can also harm humans. If a flea bites your skin and you scratch too much, you run the risk of developing a bacterial infection. On rare occasions, fleas can even transmit serious diseases to pet parents.
Though they often burrow under comforters and sheets, fleas don’t typically dwell in beds long term because they can only live without blood for about one or two weeks. Still, you’ll want to look out for the signs so you can eliminate them as quickly as possible.
If you’re bitten by fleas, you’ll see small, discolored bumps form. You might even notice yellow rings around the bumps. Fleas typically bite in straight lines or in large clusters. It’s rare to get a singular flea bite.
On dogs, flea bites look like tiny raised red dots. If your dog scratches at the bites too much, the area could become irritated and inflamed. Cats have similar side effects, but their bites tend to look pink and crusty. Flea bites look much smaller than tick bites, which often become bumpy and swollen.
Bug Bite Showdown: Identifying Flea vs. Bedbug Bites
FAQ
How do you tell if you have fleas in your mattress?
How Can You Tell if You Have Fleas in Bed? To confirm an infestation, inspect your bedding carefully. Look for tiny insects moving quickly or small black specks, which might be flea dirt. You can also try wearing white socks and walking around your bedroom—fleas may jump onto them, making it easier to spot them.
What does a flea infestation look like on a bed?
Signs of Fleas in the Bed
Pets frequently scratching themselves is an early indicator of flea infestation. In addition, small, dark, oval-shaped spots that show up on a light-colored sheet could be fleas in the bed.
How do you get rid of fleas in your bed?
To get rid of fleas on your bed, wash all bedding in hot water, vacuum the mattress thoroughly, and use a flea spray or powder designed for mattresses. You may also need to treat your pets and the rest of your home to prevent re-infestation.
Do fleas bite humans at night?
Timing: Flea bites can occur at any time although they are more common when there is an infestation in the home or on a pet. Mosquito bites are more common in the warmer months and more likely to occur outside, especially around dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.