How can a flea trap be made? - briefly
A simple trap consists of a shallow container filled with water, a few drops of dish soap, and a nearby light source. Position the dish close to where the animal rests; fleas drawn to the light will fall into the soapy water and drown.
How can a flea trap be made? - in detail
A flea trap can be assembled from inexpensive, readily available items and a few simple steps. The design relies on heat and light to attract fleas, then a sticky surface to capture them.
First, gather materials:
- A shallow dish or tray (plastic or metal) about 12 cm in diameter.
- A small lamp or LED light source that emits a warm glow.
- A stick‑on flypaper or a layer of petroleum jelly spread thinly on the dish.
- Warm water (approximately 45 °C) and a few drops of dish‑soap.
- Optional: a piece of black cloth to improve contrast.
Second, prepare the bait:
- Fill the dish with warm water, leaving a margin of 1 cm from the rim.
- Add two to three drops of dish‑soap; this reduces surface tension, causing fleas that land to drown.
- If using petroleum jelly, spread a thin, even coat across the bottom of the dish instead of water.
Third, position the trap:
- Place the lamp directly above the dish, about 15 cm away, ensuring the heat and light reach the water surface.
- If a black cloth is available, line the area around the dish to enhance the visual contrast for the insects.
- Keep the trap in a dark, quiet corner where pets frequent, but away from direct drafts.
Fourth, operation and maintenance:
- Run the lamp for 12–16 hours nightly; fleas are most active after sunset.
- Check the dish every morning. Dispose of dead insects and refresh the water or replace the sticky layer as needed.
- After two weeks, remove the trap and clean all components with mild detergent before storage.
The described method exploits fleas’ phototactic and thermotactic behaviors, providing an inexpensive, non‑chemical solution for monitoring and reducing infestations.