Despite their decline in popularity, flea circuses continue to exist today, though most have shifted from live insect performances to a blend of magic, puppetry, and mechanical effects to simulate the traditional acts. One of the few genuine flea circuses remaining is the Flohzirkus Birk, which appears annually at Munich’s Oktoberfest in Germany. Managed by flea tamer Robert Birk, the show features fleas performing various stunts such as pulling miniature carriages, turning small carousels adorned with Swarovski crystals, playing tiny football matches, and executing a ‘flea ballet’ on a stage no larger than a shoebox.

The performance, held under a small circus tent seating approximately 20 spectators, lasts about 15 minutes. Audience members are provided with magnifying glasses to better observe the fleas as they move objects weighing up to 20,000 times their own body weight.

Flea circuses reached peak popularity from the 1830s through the 1960s, especially in England and Germany. During this period, fleas were plentiful, as sharing beds with these parasites was common until the 1940s. Human fleas were particularly suited for such performances thanks to their strong hind legs and ease of feeding—taming them required only periodic “nips” from the flea tamer’s arm to replenish their energy.

Contrary to some popular beliefs, the decline of live flea circuses since the 1950s was not driven primarily by concerns over animal cruelty. Instead, improvements in hygiene, the widespread use of vacuum cleaners, and warmer indoor environments drastically reduced flea populations, making it increasingly difficult to sustain live performances.

Following this decline, many flea circus operators adopted mechanical versions, using illusions and hidden mechanisms to mimic the appearance of live fleas performing tricks. Such versions gained some public attention in the 1970s, including on children’s television programs like “Potty Time,” hosted by former Goon Michael Bentine, which featured a mechanical flea circus segment.

Today, while largely a novelty and historical curiosity, live flea circuses like Flohzirkus Birk serve as rare reminders of a unique entertainment tradition that once captivated audiences across Europe.