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Fleas in Delaware
Ride in on pets and wildlife. Humid summers make them worse.
| Peak season | Jul – Sep |
|---|---|
| Size | About 1/8 inch |
| Risk | Health — itchy bites on pets and people |
| Who treats it | Mosquito & Pest Authority (sponsor) |
How to identify them
Tiny, dark reddish-brown, flattened side to side, and jump very far. Look for “flea dirt” (black specks) in pet fur.
Fleas in Delaware
Delaware’s humid summers are ideal for fleas. They come in on pets, or from raccoons, opossums and feral cats under porches and decks.
When they’re active
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What you can do now
- Treat all pets with a vet-recommended product.
- Vacuum daily and wash pet bedding hot.
- Block wildlife from crawl spaces and under decks.
When to call a pro
Call a pro if fleas persist after treating pets and vacuuming for two weeks.
Fleas: common questions
I treated my pet, so why do I still have fleas?
Flea eggs and larvae live in carpet, bedding and the yard, so they keep hatching for a while. Treat all pets, vacuum daily and wash bedding hot, and give it about two weeks.
Where do fleas in my yard come from?
Raccoons, opossums and feral cats under porches and decks can leave fleas behind. Blocking access to crawl spaces and decks helps.
Can fleas live in my house without pets?
They can, particularly if wildlife has been nearby or the previous occupants had pets. A professional can help find where they are coming from.
Where in Delaware
Where fleas rank on each county’s top-pest list:
- New Castle County Not in the county top six
- Kent County Not in the county top six
- Sussex County Common
Towns where fleas are on the local top-pest list: