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Arkansas Ranks No. 1 for Dog Flea Problems, Study Finds

By Korin Miller Parade Pets

Updated May 9, 2026 7:20 AM

A dog rolling around because he has fleas. Getty Images Edgar Barragan Juarez

Just thinking about fleas is enough to make even the most seasoned pet owners feel itchy. But while fleas can show up practically anywhere, some places in the country are more likely to struggle with fleas than others. To find out if your state is the number one flea-infested state, according to a study, keep reading. Plus, find out how you can get rid of them fast!

Afterall, you want to do everything you can to protect your furry family member and keep them healthy, so finding out if you live in an area where fleas are more common can help you be more aware. While fleas can be found all over the country, if your home is in a place where there is warm, humid weather conditions, we hate to break it to you, but that's where these creatures love to be the most as they thrive in these conditions. In fact, fleas are more likely to live in places that stay moist and warm all year long, like in the West Coast and Southeast regions.

Do you think you and your pup live in a highly populated flea state? See below to discover the states that are most likely to be flea-infested, according to a study. You may be shocked by the top one.

Which State Has the Worst Flea Problem for Dogs?

What state has the worst flea problem for dogs? This data comes courtesy of Capstar from Banfield, an oral flea-killer for dogs. Based on survey findings, the No.1 flea-infested state for dogs in the U.S. is Arkansas.

Why does Arkansas have more fleas than other states? "States that have mild temperatures all year support the life cycle of the flea," according to Johnalyn Gordon, PhD, assistant professor of urban entomology at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. "This can allow fleas to survive and thrive without cold winter temperatures that reduce populations seasonally," she says.

The 5 States With the Worst Dog Flea Problems

Arkansas isn't the only state where flea infestations are likely. According to the data, the worst states for fleas were ranked and the top five states with the most fleas may surprise you. The survey recommends being especially cautious about fleas if you live in one of these states:

Arkansas
Florida
South Carolina
Alabama
Oregon

Why Do Some States Have More Fleas Than Others?

A lot comes down to the climate, according to Nancy Hinkle, PhD, a professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. "Fleas require high humidity and warm temperatures to survive, so there can be dramatic differences in their prevalence regionally," she says.

Plus, flea larvae and eggs in particular are very susceptible to dry and temperature extremes, according to Jim Fredericks, PhD, entomologist and senior vice president of public affairs at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). "Once fleas get inside your home, they can often live year-round since many houses have stable heat and humidity levels," Fredericks says. "They'll usually hide in areas where pets sleep or spend a lot of time. Microhabitats, where relative humidity is higher, like the cracks in hardwood floors, basements or shady areas under porches, are also spots where fleas thrive."

Keep in mind that when flea larvae hatch out of eggs, that's when they start becoming a problem. "They'll dig into your carpet and feed on organic debris like dried skin, food crumbs and hair," says Edwin Burgess, PhD, assistant professor of veterinary entomology in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. "Then when they get bigger, they'll jump onto a host, like your cat or dog, and start feeding. In a total population of fleas, only about 5 percent of the population in a house is actually adult fleas. The rest are in the egg, larvae or pupae pre-adulthood stage."

How to Tell If Your Dog Has Fleas

There are a few key signs to look out for if you're wondering if your dog has fleas. "Scratching is typically one of the first alerts to the presence of fleas on the animal," Hinkle says. But she also points out that dogs scratch for a bunch of different reasons.

"If a pet is scratching, part the hair in the affected spot and watch for rapidly moving small insects," she says. "If they are found, pinch them and pull them out." However, don't flush them down your toilet or throw them away. Instead, experts say to place these bugs in a plastic bag and take them to your vet or local cooperative extension office to be identified. From there, you can get recommendations on next steps.

How Fleas Can Affect Your Dog's Health

There are a few health risks that fleas can pose to dogs. "Flea bites can cause itching and discomfort for dogs," says Gordon. "For some dogs can be allergic to the bites and have more severe reactions. Fleas can even cause anemia in dogs, especially those that are younger or older. On top of that, they play role in tapeworm transmission as hosts of the tapeworm larvae too, which are transmitted to dogs when the flea is ingested by the animal."

Burgess agrees and adds that dog grooming can be harmful when they have fleas too. "Dogs can accidentally eat fleas when they groom themselves," Burgess explains.

What's the Fastest Ways to Get Rid of Dog Fleas?

It's important to act fast if your dog has fleas. "Responding quickly is the name of the game," Fredericks says. "An adult flea can lay up to 20 eggs a day and up to 2,000 in its lifetime. Reach out to your vet immediately to discuss the proper treatment plan for your pet."

Again, keep in mind that there are likely many other fleas in your home in different life stages. "They are likely hiding on rugs and furniture throughout the house," Fredericks says. "You need to treat all stages of fleas to control the infestation."

So, how do you get rid of fleas on a dog? Burgess recommends calling in professionals for help. Gordon agrees. "Fleas require a multi-faceted synchronized approach, including working with a veterinarian for treatment of your pet and professional pest management company for treatment of yards and flooring inside the home," she says. "Washing pet bedding-and any bedding where pets spend a lot of their time-in hot water and putting it through a high-heat dryer cycle is also important for decreasing flea populations quickly."

It's possible to get rid of a flea infestation, but Hinkle notes you need to be patient. "A consistent, sustained effort will be rewarded," she says. "For success, both fleas on the animal and fleas in the environment must be targeted."

Sources:

Johnalyn Gordon, PhD, assistant professor of urban entomology at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center
Nancy Hinkle, PhD, a professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Edwin Burgess, PhD, assistant professor of veterinary entomology in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Jim Fredericks, PhD, entomologist and senior vice president of public affairs at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA)
Capstar

This story was originally published May 9, 2026 at 7:10 AM.