Even though both fleas and springtails can jump, there are many important differences between them that will help you tell the difference.
Fleas are small, wingless insects and are reddish-brown in color. From the top to the bottom of their bodies, they are compressed, which makes it easy for them to move through their hosts’ fur. They have strong, muscled legs that enable them to jump long distances relative to their size.
Springtails are interesting bugs that come in many colors and jump by using a furcula, a spring-loaded body part on their abdomen. Springtails “launch” themselves into the air when they coil and release their furcula. This helps them avoid what they think is a threat.
Flea adults are blood-feeding insects that have piercing mouthparts which enables the insect to bite. Infestations of fleas usually are the result of an infested pet that spends most of its time inside.
Fleas lay their eggs on a host animal. When the eggs hatch, the larval stage falls off the host animal and looks for a safe place to grow into the pupal stage.
Flea pupa can’t move, but when they’re fully grown, they’ll jump on a host, feed on blood, and lay more eggs.
Springtails usually live in the soil, but you can also find them in other places with a lot of water. They are common in:
Wintering springtails usually live outside, but if it gets too dry for them, they will go inside where it is more humid. Typical indoor locations include:
They are very hard to see unless they jump. Springtails feed on mold and fungi and do not bite.
As a homeowner seeing tiny jumping bugs can make you immediately suspect a flea infestation. However various other insects also exhibit flea-like characteristics of small size, jumping ability, and biting behavior. Before you panic about fleas, it’s important to closely inspect the bugs and verify their identity. Some common household pests are frequently mistaken for fleas but are actually different species that can fly.
Common Flying Bugs Mistaken for Fleas
These flying insects are often confused with fleas:
Drain Flies
- Extremely small flies, around 1.5-5mm long
- Soft bodies covered in fuzzy hairs
- Typically found around drains, pipes, sinks and other moist areas
- Attracted to organic matter and sewage odors
- Can bite humans but don’t consume blood
- Quick, jittery flies that do not jump
Fruit Flies
- Yellowish-brown flies 2-4 mm long
- Red eyes, dark bands on abdomen
- Attracted to ripe, rotting fruit and vegetables
- Gather around kitchen compost bins and trash cans
- Don’t bite but can be a nuisance
- Flit around food prep areas when disturbed
Phorid Flies
- About 1/8 inch long
- Dark brown or black in color
- Distinctively shaped thorax gives a humpbacked appearance
- Often found around decaying organic material
- Some species can bite and feed on blood
- Quick, erratic fliers that run around on surfaces
Fungus Gnats
- Delicate, dark flies around 1/8 inch long
- Long legs and threadlike antennae
- Found in potting soil and around houseplants
- Larvae feed on plant roots and fungi in soil
- Adults sip plant nectar; they don’t bite
- Weak fliers that hop and flutter short distances
How to Distinguish Flying Bugs from Fleas
Here are some key differences to look for when identifying small flying insects:
- Fleas – Wingless, can only jump. Flattened side-to-side. Reddish-brown. Bite pets and humans.
- Drain flies – Fuzzy wings. Slow, bobbing flight. Found near pipes and drains.
- Fruit flies – Clear wings with dark bands. Dart around fruit and compost.
- Phorid flies – Humpbacked shape. Fast, erratic fliers. Some bite.
- Fungus gnats – Long legs and antennae. Fly weakly in short bursts. Don’t bite.
Also note the location where the bugs are found. Fleas will live on pets and bedding. Flying lookalikes congregate in drains, houseplants, compost, and decaying organic material. Capture a specimen in a jar for closer inspection. The specific appearance and behavior will help confirm the bug’s identity.
Do Flying Bugs Bite Like Fleas?
While fleas feed exclusively on blood, their flying doppelgangers have different food sources:
- Drain flies – Feed on organic debris, slime, sewage. Rarely bite humans.
- Fruit flies – Eat ripening fruit, vegetables, plant sap. Don’t bite.
- Phorid flies – Eat decaying matter. Some varieties bite humans.
- Fungus gnats – Eat fungi, plant roots, decaying matter. Don’t bite.
So fruit flies and fungus gnats are harmless, though annoying. Drain flies and phorids pose a low biting risk in worst-case scenarios. Only fleas are true bloodsuckers. Also, flea bites tend to appear around the ankles and knees while other flies bite exposed skin on arms and legs.
Risks of Mistaking Other Flies for Fleas
Misidentifying flea lookalikes can have consequences
- Time and money wasted on unnecessary flea treatments for pets and home
- Pest problems worsen if underlying causes like leaks or waste buildup are ignored
- Diseases spread if biting flies are dismissed as harmless
- Flea infestations spiral out of control when undetected
Getting an accurate diagnosis requires submitting specimens to an expert. Some flies look identical to the naked eye but have different biology. Treatment depends on knowing whether parasites, filth flies, or fleas are involved. Don’t rely on appearances alone.
How to Catch and Identify Mystery Bugs
Follow these steps to solve the case of the mysterious biting bugs in your home:
-
Observe where the bugs originate – Note problem areas like drains, houseplants, pet bedding, etc.
-
Capture live specimens – Use sticky traps or an inverted jar method to get intact bugs for identification.
-
Examine features – Size, wings, colors, jumping vs. flying, and body shape. Use a magnifying glass.
-
Monitor bites – Document where bites appear on your body and pets. Fleas favor legs and ankles.
-
Have samples analyzed – Consult exterminators or universities to positively identify the species.
-
Search for sources – Once identified, address factors like leaks, waste piles, or flea-infested animals that allow bugs to thrive.
-
Implement targeted treatment – Choose appropriate sprays, sanitation fixes, traps, or flea medicine.
With some detective work, you can crack the case of the mysterious biting bugs plaguing your home. Don’t let lookalike flies fool you into disregarding a serious flea infestation. When in doubt, seek professional insect identification to guide the right pest control solutions. Outsmart flea wannabes!
Frequently Asked Questions about Flea Lookalikes
Can fruit flies bite you?
No, fruit flies do not bite humans or pets. They have mouthparts only suited for eating fruit, plant juices, and fungi. Any bites come from other pests.
Do drain flies bite people?
Drain flies rarely bite, but may do so in severe infestations when regular food sources are scarce. Their mouths are not designed to bite, so any irritation is minor.
Do fungus gnats bite humans?
Adult fungus gnats don’t bite people. Their larvae may sometimes nibble on plant roots but aren’t equipped to break human skin to feed. Any bites are from unrelated pests.
Why do phorid flies run instead of fly?
Phorids often scurry across surfaces before flying because they are slow fliers and can’t launch directly into the air. Their humpbacked shape also limits flight. Running lets them escape threats.
Can you feel when a fruit fly bites you?
Fruit flies cannot bite humans – their mouthparts only work on soft foods and liquids. Any small bites or irritation on the skin come from other pests mistaken for fruit flies.
How can you confirm you have fleas and not just lookalikes in your home?
The only way to confirm fleas over lookalikes is to catch specimens and have them analyzed by a professional or university lab for positive identification of the species.
Dig Deeper on Springtails
Our customer care team is available for you 24 hours a day.
Our local Pros are the pest experts in your area.
Damage and Health Implications
Fleas are important medical pests that cause painful bites that may become infected if not properly cared for. When fleas are present, pets may lose hair because they scratch and bite the areas of their fur where the fleas are.
Another thing fleas do is spread diseases to both people and pets, and their bites can cause allergic reactions.
Springtails do not bite and their impact on homeowners is limited to being a nuisance. But springtails found inside a house could mean that there is water from a plumbing leak, a roof leak, or some other source that caused mold and mildew.
So, whenever springtails or fleas become a problem, contact Orkin for science-based, integrated plans for controlling these pests.