How can I know that fleas have infested? - briefly
Inspect pets for tiny black specks (flea feces), excessive scratching, and moving insects; examine bedding, carpets, and furniture with a flea comb or white sheet to reveal jumping fleas. Presence of these signs confirms an infestation.
How can I know that fleas have infested? - in detail
Flea presence can be confirmed through several observable signs and diagnostic methods.
First, inspect the host animal. Look for tiny, dark specks moving quickly on the skin or fur; these are adult fleas. Examine the base of the tail, under the neck, and between the legs, where fleas commonly congregate. Use a fine-toothed comb to collect any insects that fall out, then identify them by size (about 2–4 mm) and laterally compressed bodies.
Second, check the environment. Flea eggs and larvae appear as white, grain‑like particles in bedding, carpets, and cracks. A simple method is to place a white sheet of paper beneath a pet’s sleeping area for several hours; moving fleas will leave black spots on the surface. Sticky traps placed near pet resting spots capture adult fleas and provide visual confirmation.
Third, look for indirect evidence. Small, reddish‑brown bite marks on the skin of humans or animals indicate feeding activity. Excessive scratching, hair loss, or skin irritation often accompany infestation. Presence of “flea dirt”—tiny dark specks that turn reddish when moistened with water—confirms blood meals.
Finally, use laboratory or commercial testing kits. Collect a sample of suspected debris and apply a flea‑specific enzyme assay or microscopic examination to differentiate flea feces from other particles.
By combining direct visual inspection, environmental sampling, symptom assessment, and, when necessary, laboratory confirmation, one can reliably determine whether a flea problem exists.