Fleas

Fleas are tiny biting insects that infest pets and homes, and they are a persistent problem in the mild, damp Pacific Northwest. On Whidbey and Fidalgo they also thrive around beaches, crawl spaces, and wildlife, biting people and animals alike.

How to identify fleas

About 1/16 to 1/8 inch, dark reddish-brown, flattened side-to-side, wingless, with powerful jumping legs. They are fast and hard to catch by hand.

Behavior & season on Whidbey & Fidalgo

Adults feed on blood while eggs, larvae, and pupae develop in carpet, bedding, crawl spaces, and yard soil. Our mild winters let populations persist year-round, and wildlife under the home reseeds them.

Why fleas are a problem

Flea bites cause itching and allergic reactions in people and pets, can transmit tapeworm to animals, and infestations are notoriously hard to clear because most of the population is immature and hidden.

Signs of fleas activity

• Pets scratching, biting, or restless
• Small itchy bites around ankles and lower legs
• Flea dirt (black specks) in pet bedding
• Fast-jumping insects in carpet and crawl spaces

How Salty Dog treats fleas

We treat the environment across all flea life stages — indoors and in crawl spaces and yard harborage — and coordinate with pet treatment so the cycle is fully broken. Learn more about our Flea Control service, or browse the full Pest Library.

Frequently asked questions

Why do fleas keep coming back after I treat my pet?

Most of the population is eggs, larvae, and pupae in carpet, bedding, and crawl spaces. Without treating the environment too, they re-emerge.

Can I get fleas without pets?

Yes — wildlife nesting under the home or in the crawl space can introduce and sustain fleas even in homes without pets.

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