Even the toughest survivalists know it’s not always the obvious threats that wear you down, but it’s the tiny ones you can’t escape. Andrew Shayde learned that lesson firsthand during his grueling Naked and Afraid: Castaways challenge, where survival wasn’t just about food, water, or shelter; it was about enduring the constant, biting pressure of pests that never quit.*

In this Shayde Survival Story, we’re diving into one of Shayde’s most irritating and tiny encounters yet: fleas. Small, fast, and relentless, these pests don’t just bite; they linger, multiply, and turn even the toughest environments into an uphill battle.

How fleas tested Shayde’s limits

Stranded on a South Pacific island, Shayde endured a brutal encounter with fleas, chiggers, and chitras (no-see-ums). “These little beasts are so small there is no swatting them away,” he recalled, as the relentless bites covered his skin and kept him constantly itchy. Every day became a battle not just against hunger, weather, and fatigue, but also against these microscopic tormentors that seemed impossible to escape.

For homeowners, the stakes are surprisingly similar. Fleas can multiply at lightning speed and hide in carpets, bedding, and even on your pets. Suddenly, what started as a few bites can quickly turn into constant itching, restless nights, and that creeping sense that your home isn’t quite your own anymore.

“

Fleas are relentless. My skin was covered in bites, and the itching lasted for days.

— Andrew Shayde

Why do fleas bite?

Fleas may be tiny, but they’ve got big ambitions, and blood is their fuel. These tiny jumpers feed on warm-blooded hosts, including people and pets, and are drawn to heat, motion, and carbon dioxide. Fleas can bite multiple times a day, leaving behind that infamous, uncomfortable itch. They are persistent experts at hiding, laying eggs, and waiting for the perfect moment to strike again.

Flea facts that might make you itch

Flea on skin
  • Female fleas can lay up to 2,000 eggs in a lifetime.
  • Most fleas are no larger than ⅛ inch.
  • Fleas can leap up to 100 times their body length.
  • Fleas can bite multiple times a day.
  • There are 300+ flea species in the U.S.

How to spot fleas at home

Fleas are masters at hiding, moving fast, and multiplying before you even realize they’re there. Homeowners can spot them early by thinking like a survivalist: know where they like to hide, and check those spots regularly.

  • Pets first: Fleas love warm, protected areas like behind the ears, under the legs, and at the base of the tail. If you notice your pet scratching more than normal, it could be fleas. Run a comb through fur to catch any intruders.
  • Bedding and rugs: Any place your pets rest is a potential flea hotspot. Fleas leave tiny black specks of “flea dirt” in fibers.
  • Scratching and bites: Sudden, clustered bites on pets or people are a clear signal. Fleas rarely leave just one mark.
  • Cracks and crevices: Flea eggs and larvae can hide in carpet fibers, floorboard gaps, or furniture seams.

The key to survival at home is early detection. Check the likely spots, clean regularly, and treat pets as needed to prevent fleas from gaining the upper hand. Even tiny invaders can turn your home into a battlefield if you’re not vigilant.

Fight fleas with Terminix

Andrew Shayde completed Naked and Afraid: Castaways by staying alert and adaptable, but at home, you don’t have to face fleas alone. Terminix helps homeowners prevent and eliminate infestations before they take over. Our expert technicians locate flea hotspots, treat affected areas, and create a barrier to keep fleas out of your home, so you and your pets can relax without worry. Start protecting your home with Terminix Flea Control!

Andrew Shayde survived the world's most extreme environments, but he knows your home shouldn't be one of them—Terminix It.

*This is not an endorsement. Terminix is not affiliated with Naked & Afraid: Castaways