Though the flea is tiny, they have a hard exterior shell and their body is flattened from side to side to prevent them from being squished. Fleas are external parasites that feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals. Their large back legs help them move through fur, and their legs enable them to jump easily onto their hosts and move out of danger. Fleas will feed on people if animals aren't around, but we aren't the flea's main target, and they much prefer to feed on the blood of animals like dogs, cats, rodents, and wild animals.

The biggest threat to people, however, is allergic reactions to flea saliva. Flea bites are known to be itchy, and scratching at the bite sites can create scabbing and scarring. On our pets, a large flea infestation can cause loss of fur and anemia.

Having fleas jumping around our yard or inside our home is unsettling and makes people unable to relax and recharge.

After fleas find a way into your home, they live on a host (usually a pet) or hide in rugs, bedding, upholstered furniture, or linens. Outside it is rare for fleas to bite people, but when they are in our home, it is more common for them to use us as a food source. Fleas are also typically found living outdoors. These pests enjoy moist, shaded areas, much like ticks, and often find their way into homes after jumping onto people or our pets. However, these pests also regularly find their way inside homes in used furniture or rugs that are infested with flea eggs or adult fleas. Unlike ticks, fleas can live successfully inside, typically choosing to infest the areas around pet beds and the places where your pets spend most of their time.