White Creatures with Dark Tails Found on Clothing are Flea Larvae

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“I found these in my clothes,” states this reader about the white, oblong creatures in the image below. “I was wondering what they are,” she states, and we will do our best to answer her question in this article.

Although our reader does not provide more context, we can tell from the photo that these are likely flea larvae. This identification is based on the larger of the creatures in the photo, who seems to have a darker, almost black, part of its body near the tail. What makes us think that this is a flea larva is because their bodies are typically transparent (but can often be perceived as white), making their dark entrails visible through their skin.

Flea larvae are not harmful, not to pets or humans, despite what one might instinctively assume. The larvae of fleas feed solely on organic debris, such as hair, lint, and dead bugs, but they do not feed on animals or humans like their adult counterparts. Of course, if one finds flea larvae in one’s home, it is likely that there are also fleas, which are indeed harmful to pets. The common flea will not attach itself to a human, so our reader does not need to worry for her own health. That said, they can still bite, so we advise caution if and when handling them.

Now, to eliminate this apparent infestation, our reader should immediately launder the clothing these creatures were found on, as well as any clothing that were in the vicinity of these clothes. She should then vacuum any areas in which flea larvae might like to hide (this includes any dark, cramped space where food is close by (such as underneath a bed, under or behind upholstered furniture, or in closets and wardrobes). If she has a pet, she should not only make sure to vacuum and launder (if possible) their beds, as well as any spots that they tend to rest, but we also advise that she take her pet to the vet to see if they are infested with fleas. These cleaning routines should be repeated multiple times a week for a period of two-to-three weeks for maximum effect, and even after that period should our reader continue to monitor her home for roaming larvae.

To conclude, the organisms our reader found in her clothes are flea larvae. They are not dangerous to humans or pets, but their discovery can still indicate the presence of adult fleas. If she has any pets, then she should really take this seriously and ensure that her home and her pet gets the treatment they need to fight off this potential infestation. We wish her the best.

 

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White Creatures with Dark Tails Found on Clothing are Flea Larvae
Article Name
White Creatures with Dark Tails Found on Clothing are Flea Larvae
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"I found these in my clothes," states this reader about the white, oblong creatures in the image below. "I was wondering what they are," she states, and we will do our best to answer her question in this article.
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Author: Worm Researcher Anton

1 thought on “White Creatures with Dark Tails Found on Clothing are Flea Larvae

  1. I have an infestation of a microscopic biting bug. I’ve been dealing with this for 7 months or so. They are in my skin, eyes, nose, and ears. They don’t die in the washer or dryer. They’re in my wall unit Heat/AC. It is open to the outside kinda. I see little black worm like things in my shag carpet. They are everywhere. I can’t get rid of them. Please help!

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