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Cat Flea (Ctenocephalides felis)
Identify it, prevent it, and know when to call. A South Florida guide from Pro-Spray.
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What Is the Cat Flea?
Despite the name, the cat flea is the flea most often found on dogs as well as cats. It's the main flea problem in homes across South Florida. Adult fleas live on the animal and feed on blood, but most of the population, the eggs, larvae and pupae, lives in the environment: in carpets, bedding, furniture and shady areas of the yard.
That's why treating only the pet, or only the house, often fails. Breaking the life cycle means dealing with both.
How to Identify Them
Adult fleas are tiny, dark and fast. They jump rather than fly. You may see them moving through a pet's fur, especially around the neck, belly and base of the tail. Another clue is "flea dirt": tiny black specks in the fur that turn reddish when placed on a damp white paper towel, because they're digested blood.
Common look-alikes:
- Ticks: larger, crawl instead of jump, and attach to the skin. See brown dog tick.
- Springtails: tiny jumping insects around moisture that don't bite.
Life Cycle and Habits
Adult females lay eggs on the pet, and the eggs fall off into bedding, carpet and soil. Larvae avoid light and feed on organic debris and flea dirt deep in carpet fibers and cracks. They then spin cocoons and become pupae. Pupae can wait inside the cocoon until vibration, warmth or carbon dioxide signals that a host is nearby. This is why people sometimes come home from a trip and get bitten right away: fleas were waiting to emerge.
Signs of Fleas
- Pets scratching, biting or licking more than usual, often with hair loss
- Itchy red bites on your ankles and lower legs
- Flea dirt in pet bedding or fur
- Fleas jumping on light-colored socks when you walk across the carpet
- Fleas in shaded yard areas where pets rest
Is it dangerous?
- Bites
- Disease risk
- Allergens
Itchy bites on people and pets, allergic reactions in pets, can transmit tapeworms.
Why They're a Year-Round Problem Here
South Florida's heat and humidity let fleas develop throughout the year. Shaded yards, crawl spaces and areas under decks where pets, raccoons, opossums or stray cats rest can keep flea populations going outdoors and reintroduce them inside.
Prevention Tips
- Keep all pets on a flea preventive recommended by your veterinarian.
- Vacuum carpets, rugs and furniture often, and empty the vacuum outdoors.
- Wash pet bedding in hot water regularly.
- Mow and trim shaded areas where pets rest outdoors.
- Discourage stray animals and wildlife from sleeping under porches and decks.
How Pro-Spray Treats Fleas
Successful flea control requires teamwork. We treat the inside of the home, focusing on carpets, rugs, furniture and pet resting areas, with products that include an insect growth regulator to stop larvae from developing. We also treat shaded outdoor areas where pets spend time. At the same time, your pets need to be treated by your veterinarian. Before your visit, we'll give you a prep list, like vacuuming and washing bedding. Follow-up visits may be needed as pupae hatch.
New customer offer
$50 OFF your first service
+ FREE inspection
Then stay protected with our $125 quarterly pest control plan, about $42/month.
New customers only. No code needed and no expiration. Mention this offer when you call or text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I still see fleas after treatment?
Do fleas live on people?
Can I have fleas without pets?
Do I need to treat my yard too?
Reviewed October 2026 by Pro-Spray's family-run team
Pests don't wait.
Protect your home today.
Get $50 OFF your first pest service and a FREE inspection & estimate. Ongoing protection is $125 quarterly (about $42/month), with no contracts and no cancellation fees.
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