Fleas are a common problem in homes and apartments. They can make life miserable for your pets, and they also carry diseases.
Although fleas can be treated by using over-the-counter products, it’s essential to know where they came from. If you have fleas in your home or have noticed flea eggs on bed sheets, chances are that you somehow brought them inside from the outdoors.
So, how do you identify flea eggs on bed sheets and get rid of them once and for all before they hatch and become fleas? Great question! Today, we’re going to find out!
Contents
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are parasitic insects.
The flea is a tiny arthropod that lives in or on the body of its host, sucking blood and causing irritation. Fleas are external parasites, living on the skin surface and feeding on blood from their hosts. They do not burrow into the skin as lice do. They are similar to mosquitoes and ticks, and like mosquitoes and ticks, they can carry and transmit some serious diseases.
There are more than 2,500 species of fleas worldwide, with more than 300 species found in the United States.
Flea bites can cause severe itching that can lead to secondary skin infections, especially in children and immunocompromised individuals. Fleas spread several diseases as we mentioned above, including murine typhus, plague, rickettsialpox, tularemia, and bartonellosis (also known as “cat scratch disease”).
Fleas can be found almost anywhere there are animals like raccoons, rabbits, deer, coyotes, skunks, and squirrels. They can also be a common pest for dogs, cats, and domesticated rabbits, and fleas can even be problematic for humans.
Although they’re not a household pest in most parts of the United States, they can be a problem in other areas, especially during warm weather months when they flourish indoors, outdoors, and on both pets and humans, as we mentioned.
Most adult fleas live for about 30 days and lay up to 50 eggs per day. Young larvae feed on organic debris found in their environment and mature into adults within a week or two depending upon environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity levels.
Adult female fleas usually lay their eggs on the host’s body or bedding rather than in dark secluded places like cracks and crevices where they might be difficult to locate later on, which would explain why you might find flea eggs on bed sheets.
Flea eggs are tiny white or cream-colored specks that may fall off your pet onto furniture or carpeted floors where they can survive for several weeks before hatching into larvae that feed on organic matter.
Unfortunately, identifying flea eggs on bed sheets can be tricky, especially if you’re unsure of what to look for. So, how do you determine if you have flea eggs on bed sheets? Keep reading to find out.
How To Identify Flea Eggs On Bed Sheets
Flea eggs are small and pale, and flea cocoons look similar.
Flea eggs are a common problem in homes with pets and people, so if you think you might be dealing with fleas or flea eggs on bed sheets, you could be right. The truth is, fleas and flea eggs can be found anywhere in the home, but are most commonly found in bed sheets, carpeting, and furniture. The fleas lay their eggs on these surfaces, and the eggs hatch into more fleas that can continue to feed on humans and pets. This can lead to skin irritation, allergies, and other health problems.
Still, identifying flea eggs on bed sheets can be tough, and there are often other signs of fleas and flea eggs you should look for if you’re worried you might have flea eggs on bed sheets.
For example, look for adult fleas first.
Pinpointing a flea infestation in your house can be difficult, especially if you have never seen these insects before. It is important to note that fleas feed on blood, so they won’t be hanging around your house unless they find food.
The first step in identifying whether or not you have a flea infestation is to examine your dog or cat. If your pet has a severe flea problem and has been scratching itself raw, then it’s likely that you will see some of the eggs stuck to its fur. These eggs are tiny and brownish in color, and they look like grains of sand when magnified under a microscope. It’s also possible that you’ll see adult fleas on your pet’s skin or fur.
You should also look for signs of “flea dirt” on your pet. Flea dirt often looks like small grains of pepper and are actually flea feces, which consists of digested blood and other materials that come out of the flea’s body when it bites into your pet’s skin. If you do find flea dirt on your pet, look for other areas that may have flea dirt as well like your pet’s bedding, your bedding, and furniture that your pet may frequently lay on.
If you don’t see any signs of flea infestation on your dog or cat but still suspect you might have flea eggs on bed sheets, then it’s time to inspect the rest of your home for signs of infestation.
The next place to look for fleas is in bed sheets and blankets because this is where most people sleep at night when they’re not at work or school. When you lift up your bedding, check underneath it for any dark spots (which are usually dried blood) or white specks (which are usually flea droppings).
Finally, it’s time to look for flea eggs.
Flea eggs are tiny, white, and oval-shaped. They are approximately 1/32 inch long and they can be seen with the naked eye. As a matter of fact, it’s easy to spot flea eggs on bed sheets or even in your pet’s coat, or on your furniture or flooring.
Flea eggs are often found in clusters, but some may be scattered about on the surface of your pet’s fur or in bedding. If you suspect that flea eggs are present, look for them near the base of the hair follicles or around the anal area of your pet first.
The color of these oval-shaped flea eggs ranges from white to yellowish-white. They can also appear clear if they’re just laid or even gray if they’ve been around for a while. The color depends on how old they are since they change as they get older and develop into larvae.
If you think you have spotted flea eggs or fleas crawling around your pet’s fur coat, don’t panic! It’s important to take note of where exactly they were found so that you can determine whether or not there is indeed a flea infestation going on in your home, or if the situation is isolated to just your pet or a single area.
Once you determine how serious your flea problem is and you have identified flea eggs on bed sheets, the next step is to take action to remove the pests.
But first, let’s talk about how flea eggs on bed sheets even happened in the first place.
How Did Flea Eggs On Bed Sheets Happen?
Fleas are most commonly brought into the home by unprotected pets.
There are many reasons why you might find flea eggs on bed sheets. Fleas lay their eggs on the host or in the environment where they live in order to reproduce and multiply. In dog or cat owners’ cases, this means that they will lay their eggs in the host’s fur or skin but also on carpets and bedsheets because these are places where the dog spends most of its time sleeping or resting. If a person has multiple pets in his home, then this is an added risk factor because these pets can carry even more fleas and flea eggs into your home.
But what if you don’t have pets? Is it possible for humans to bring fleas into the house themselves?
The answer is yes and no. While fleas for the most part prefer animal hosts, they will use human hosts if there are no other alternatives. For the most part, though, you are much more likely to discover flea eggs on bed sheets or in your home if you have pets that are unprotected or pick up fleas outdoors. However, it’s also possible that you could bring fleas in yourself.
If you have fleas on your body and go into your home like this, they will jump off onto whatever surfaces they land on. These surfaces include any bedding, towels, or clothing that is lying around.
This can cause a problem because these insects are capable of laying eggs in this environment which can lead to a flea infestation indoors, as we now know. This means that even if you don’t have pets at home, there could still be flea eggs on bed sheets.
How To Get Rid Of Flea Eggs On Bed Sheets
Washing your bedding on high heat can help kill fleas and flea eggs.
Flea eggs stick to bed sheets and other fabrics, where they hatch into larvae that look like white worms. The larvae feed on organic material like dead skin cells and hair shed from animals or humans. After about a week of feeding on organic matter, the larvae spin cocoons and pupate into adults that emerge from their cocoons after another week or so.
Flea eggs can survive for several months on bed sheets or other fabrics if those fabrics aren’t washed frequently enough to kill them off before they hatch into larvae or cocoons. For example, if you keep your sheets clean but don’t wash them often enough to kill off any existing flea eggs in them, then you could end up with an infestation of fleas in your home if these eggs hatch out into larvae.
Fleas are nasty pests that can cause a lot of problems for you and your pet. They can also make your home an unpleasant place to be. One way to get rid of fleas is to remove the eggs that they lay on your bed sheets or other textiles. You may not know that these eggs are there unless you look closely, but if you do find them, here’s how to get rid of them:
Step 1 – Remove the Sheet from the Bed
Grab a trash bag and carefully remove bedding and sheets from the room where you have discovered flea eggs on bed sheets. Roll the sheets inward to wrap the eggs inside so none of them fall off onto the floor during removal, then put the rolled sheets into the trash bag so you can safely transport the sheets to your laundry room or the laundry mat.
Along with removing sheets where you may have discovered flea eggs on bed sheets, it is also recommended to remove and wash plush toys, pillowcases, duvet covers, mattress pads and mattress covers, and anything else washable that you can.
Step 2 – Vacuum and Clean The Room Thoroughly
Once the sheets are safely stored in a sealed garbage bag, vacuum the infested room. For extra efficiency, sprinkle the surfaces of the room with Diatomaceous Earth before vacuuming. This will help ensure any living fleas you suck into the vacuum bag die quickly.
You can also sprinkle your mattress with Diatomaceous Earth and vacuum the dust from there as well. Diatomaceous Earth, listed below in our recommended products section, is perfectly safe for use around people and pets and will not harm you, even if there is leftover residue on your mattress.
Step 3 – Wash And Dry The Bedding On High Heat
Wash everything in hot water (130 degrees Fahrenheit or above). This will kill any adult fleas or their eggs that might be hiding out in your bedding. Dry the bedding in a hot dryer as well.
Best Products For Getting Rid Of Flea Eggs On Bed Sheets
Also known as DE, Diatomaceous Earth can help to kill fleas and many other pests safely.
Although finding flea eggs on bed sheets can be unnerving, the good news is that fleas can be removed efficiently if you take the right steps. Flea eggs on bed sheets and other fabrics can be difficult to remove, but there are several products that can help with the process.
When choosing products to remove flea eggs on bed sheets and other soft fabrics, it is important to consider the type of material used in the sheets and blankets. Some products work better than others on certain types of material. For example, a product designed specifically for removing stains from cotton may not work as well on silk sheets. A general-purpose cleaner may be more suitable in this case.
It is also important to consider how much time you have available when choosing which product to use for removing flea eggs on bed sheets. Some cleaners require more time than others before they are effective at removing stains, so choose one that works quickly if you have limited time available before guests arrive or before going out of town on vacation.
Below are some of our top recommended products for getting rid of flea eggs on bed sheets.
Nature-Cide Flea & Tick Spray For Homes
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Nature-Cide Flea & Tick Spray For Homes is a great way to get rid of fleas on bed sheets. It contains no harmful chemicals, but it does kill fleas and ticks.
Spray Nature-Cide Flea & Tick Spray For Homes on the affected areas of your home where fleas live or breed. You can spray it on the carpeting and furniture too if needed. This product will kill all adult fleas within 24 hours of application. You’ll see fewer fleas after one week of applying this product every day until they’re gone completely from your home, bedding, and yard!
Earthborn Elements Borax Powder Detergent Booster
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The Earthborn Elements Borax Powder Detergent Booster is a great product for killing fleas, ticks, and other insects. It can be used in the washing machine or as a dry powder that you sprinkle on carpets and upholstery in your house.
The borax powder will kill the fleas and prevent them from coming back. Borax is a natural mineral that can be used for a number of things, including getting rid of fleas. Borax is safe and effective as a way to kill fleas on bed sheets, but it also works on carpets and floors as well by dehydrating the flea so that it dies in just a few hours.
Harris Diatomaceous Earth Crawling Insect Killer
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Harris Diatomaceous Earth Crawling Insect Killer is a 100% natural product that kills fleas and other crawling insects. It is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae that has been laid down over millions of years.
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is an effective method of killing fleas on bed sheets. It also works against bed bugs, roaches, ants, and more. When applied to the surface of your carpet or upholstery, the DE works by penetrating the pest’s waxy exoskeleton, eventually dehydrating and killing it.
Premo Guard Bed Bug & Mite Laundry Detergent
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Premo Guard Bed Bug & Mite Laundry Detergent is a powerful laundry detergent that can be used on all types of fabrics, including cotton and linen. The product is designed for use on both hand-washed and machine-washed items.
The active ingredient in Premo Guard Bed Bug & Mite Laundry Detergent is Tetramethrin, which effectively kills fleas on bed sheets by preventing the insects from feeding. The product also works to prevent new eggs from hatching, helping to reduce or eliminate an infestation.
Bed Bug Detergent
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Bed Bug Laundry Detergent is a highly effective, eco-friendly, and non-toxic solution for killing not only bed bugs but also mites and fleas on bed sheets. It is made with a blend of natural oils that are safe for humans, pets, and the environment. Bed Bug Laundry Detergent does not contain any harsh chemicals or toxins, which makes it safe to use in your home or business.
Bed Bug Laundry Detergent’s active ingredient is dichlorvos (DDVP), a common pesticide used to kill insects on crops and in homes. DDVP is effective at killing fleas on bed sheets because it kills them through contact only (no need to ingest it). This allows you to treat your sheets without worrying about your pets coming into contact with pesticides or other harmful chemicals.
Best Products For Preventing Future Flea Eggs On Bed Sheets
Preventing fleas often means using a form of year-round pest control.
Preventing fleas isn’t as simple as just buying a flea collar for your dog or cat, especially considering that even a pet-free household can experience a flea problem indoors. There are many different factors to consider when choosing the best products for preventing future fleas or flea eggs on bed sheets, such as your lifestyle, where you live, and the likelihood of potentially dealing with fleas in the future.
The most effective way to prevent fleas is to treat your home and yard with a flea treatment. If you have pets, it’s also important to treat your pets with a flea preventative. These products are available at pet stores and online, and they can be applied directly to your cat’s or dog’s skin.
When choosing a product, look for one that contains an insect growth regulator (IGR), which breaks the flea life cycle by preventing eggs from hatching into larvae.
Below are several products we suggest you consider if you are looking for the best ways to prevent flea eggs on bed sheets in the future.
Wondercide Flea and Tick Spray
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Wondercide Flea and Tick Spray is a natural, biodegradable pet flea spray that kills fleas on contact. The spray is effective against all major flea life stages including eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult fleas. It also kills ticks and repels mosquitoes, flies, spiders, roaches, and ants.
The spray is made with all-natural ingredients that are safe for both humans and pets. It contains no pesticides, pyrethrins, or permethrins which can cause serious side effects when used on your pet’s skin.
The active ingredient in Wondercide Flea and Tick Spray is called peppermint oil. Peppermint oil has been shown to kill off fleas and ticks on contact by attacking their nervous system.
Flea and Tick Prevention Treats for Dogs
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Flea and tick prevention treats for dogs is a great way to keep your pet healthy and flea free, which in turn can prevent future fleas on bed sheets.
Flea and tick prevention treats for dogs are a type of supplement that you give your dog on a regular basis to prevent fleas from infesting not only your pet but also your house.
These products usually come in the form of chewable tablets or capsules that you give to your dog every day as part of their daily food intake. Some products are designed for use with puppies while others are designed for older dogs.
Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray
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Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray is a natural way to keep your pets and your yard free from pesky fleas. The product contains an ingredient called pyrethrin, which comes from the chrysanthemum flower.
This natural substance works by attacking the nervous system of the flea, causing paralysis and death. When applied to your pet’s fur, it will eliminate any existing fleas on their body as well as any eggs or larvae that are present. The spray also kills ticks so you can use it both indoors and outdoors and also works against mosquitoes and ticks.
Flea Eggs On Bed Sheets – Expert Tips For Future Prevention
Preventing fleas properly will allow you to better enjoy your pets and your home without stress or worry.
Fleas are notoriously difficult to eliminate from a home or yard. The reason for this is quite simple: there are several different types of flea larvae and pupae, each with different behaviors and survival strategies. Some of these can survive for weeks without feeding, while others require regular meals for survival. Some flea larvae will seek out water sources to drink from; others will eat dead insects and other small animals like mice or birds.
Luckily, there are a few common-sense steps you can take to prevent them from becoming a problem in your home. The first thing to do is to make sure that your home is clean. If you’re a pet owner, keep an eye on your dogs and cats and monitor their habits.
If there are any areas where your dog or cat spends most of their time (such as in front of the fireplace or under the bed), then you should vacuum those areas most often and make sure that they’re cleaned thoroughly with bleach or another cleaning agent that kills fleas.
It will also help to keep your yard clean and free of debris. Piles of dirt, leaf litter, garden debris, or clutter around your yard can attract wild animals, and wild animals are common hosts for fleas and flea eggs.
Another thing that can be done to control fleas is to treat yourself before coming into contact with an area where fleas might be present. This will help to prevent fleas from choosing you as a potential host while you’re outside gardening, hiking, or enjoying your yard.
Treating your yard year-round with a common pest control designed to kill pests like fleas is also important. However, keep in mind that because of the diversity in a flea’s life cycle, it can take more than just one treatment to kill off all the fleas in your yard.
Last, be sure to have your pets protected year-round with a flea collar or anti-flea chews. Many flea-preventative measures can be purchased over the counter at your local pet store. However, if you’re not sure which flea control products might be best for your dog or cat, you can speak with your veterinarian.
So, what do you think about discovering fleas on bed sheets? Now that you know there are several ways to get rid of fleas on bed sheets, do you feel more confident in taking action?
Tell us what you think about managing fleas both indoors and out in the comment section below.
Thanks for reading!
Jack founded our blog after two decades of working in the pest control industry. His vast experience dealing with a wide array of pests allows him to diagnose issues quickly and get to the heart of pest problems quickly and effectively. He has serviced more than 2,000 homes over his career and there is hardly any pest situation that he has not seen before.