What do bed fleas look like and how to get rid of them? - briefly
Bed fleas are tiny, dark‑brown insects about 1–2 mm long, resembling small beetles and capable of jumping onto linens and mattress seams. Eradication requires washing all bedding in hot water, vacuuming infested areas, and treating the environment with a licensed insecticide or professional heat‑treatment service.
What do bed fleas look like and how to get rid of them? - in detail
Bed fleas are tiny insects, typically 1–3 mm long, with a dark reddish‑brown exoskeleton. Their bodies are laterally flattened, allowing movement through fabrics and bedding. Six long legs end in spines that facilitate jumping up to 150 mm. Adult fleas exhibit a hardened thorax and a head that can retract into the pronotum, giving a compact appearance when at rest. Their legs are noticeably longer than those of other household pests, and their antennae are short and segmented. After feeding, the abdomen expands and may appear lighter due to a blood‑filled gut.
Signs of infestation include:
- Small, red, itchy bite marks, often in clusters on exposed skin.
- Tiny black specks (fecal material) on sheets, mattress seams, or furniture.
- Live insects moving quickly through fabric, especially after a night of disturbance.
- Presence of eggs, which are oval, whitish, and difficult to see without magnification.
Elimination requires a systematic approach:
- Launder all bedding – wash sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and mattress covers at ≥ 60 °C; dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Vacuum thoroughly – use a vacuum with a HEPA filter; focus on mattress seams, box springs, carpet edges, and upholstered furniture. Empty the canister or bag into a sealed bag immediately.
- Treat the environment – apply a residual insecticide labeled for fleas to cracks, baseboards, and upholstered surfaces. Follow label directions precisely to avoid over‑application.
- Address pet reservoirs – administer a veterinarian‑approved flea control product (topical, oral, or collar) to all animals in the household; treat bedding used by pets as well.
- Use diatomaceous earth – sprinkle food‑grade diatomaceous earth on carpet fibers and mattress edges; leave for 48 hours before vacuuming to dehydrate insects.
- Monitor progress – place sticky traps near sleeping areas for 7–10 days; replace traps if no captures occur, indicating successful reduction.
- Consider professional pest control – if infestation persists after two treatment cycles, engage a licensed exterminator for integrated pest management, including fogging or heat treatment.
Preventive measures: keep bedding encased in zippered covers, maintain low indoor humidity (≤ 50 %), and conduct regular pet flea prophylaxis. Consistent adherence to these steps eliminates the flea population and prevents re‑infestation.