What do carpet fleas look like? - briefly
Carpet fleas are tiny, dark brown insects about 1–3 mm long, with a laterally flattened body and strong hind legs adapted for jumping. Their bodies are smooth, lacking visible wings, and they move quickly through carpet fibers.
What do carpet fleas look like? - in detail
Carpet fleas are tiny, wing‑less insects measuring approximately 1.5–3 mm in length. Their bodies are laterally flattened, which enables them to move easily through carpet fibers and narrow crevices. The exoskeleton is a glossy, reddish‑brown hue that may appear darker after feeding on blood. Their heads are proportionally large, bearing compound eyes and short, bristle‑like antennae that detect vibrations. Six legs end in tiny claws, allowing rapid jumps of up to 100 mm—far exceeding their body size. The abdomen is segmented, expanding noticeably after a blood meal, and is covered with fine hairs that help retain moisture.
Key visual identifiers:
- Size: 1.5–3 mm, comparable to a pinhead.
- Shape: flattened, oval body.
- Color: reddish‑brown, darkening when engorged.
- Head: prominent with compound eyes and short antennae.
- Legs: six, each ending in a claw for jumping.
- Abdomen: segmented, expands after feeding; fine dorsal hairs present.
These characteristics distinguish carpet fleas from other household pests such as carpet beetles (harder, more oval, darker) and dust mites (microscopic, translucent). Recognizing the combination of size, flattened body, reddish coloration, and powerful jumping ability confirms the presence of carpet fleas.