How to check if there are fleas in the house? - briefly
Examine pets, bedding, and rugs with a fine‑toothed flea comb and look for small, dark specks or moving insects. Place white sheets on the floor, shine a bright light, and observe any jumping fleas that appear.
How to check if there are fleas in the house? - in detail
Detecting a flea infestation requires systematic observation of both the environment and the occupants. Begin by examining pets, as they are the most common hosts. Part one of the inspection focuses on the animal:
- Run a fine‑toothed flea comb through the fur, especially behind the ears, neck, and tail base.
- Collect any dark specks that appear; these are flea feces (digested blood).
- Place the combed material on a white surface and add a few drops of water. Fresh flea feces dissolve, leaving a reddish stain, confirming presence.
- Look for live insects or tiny, moving specks that jump when disturbed.
The second part targets the household:
- Inspect bedding, pet sleeping areas, and upholstered furniture. Lift cushions, pull apart seams, and use a flashlight to reveal fleas or eggs.
- Check cracks in flooring, baseboards, and under rugs. Fleas hide in these micro‑habitats during daylight.
- Set up sticky traps (yellow or white) near pet resting spots and along walls. Replace traps after 24‑48 hours and examine for trapped insects.
- Use a vacuum on carpets, rugs, and mattress edges. After vacuuming, immediately seal the bag and discard it outside; fleas and eggs may survive in the vacuum otherwise.
Environmental sampling provides additional confirmation:
- Fill a shallow dish with warm, soapy water and place a few drops of dish soap. Position the dish near suspected areas for several hours. Flea larvae are attracted to moisture and may drown, making them visible.
- Deploy a light trap: a small lamp placed over a pan of water with a few drops of dish soap draws adult fleas toward the light; they fall into the water and cannot escape.
If any of the above steps reveal fleas, eggs, or feces, initiate treatment promptly. Combine pet‑focused products (topical or oral insecticides) with environmental measures (laundering bedding at > 60 °C, repeated vacuuming, and insecticide sprays or foggers applied according to label instructions). Re‑inspect after 7‑10 days to ensure the life cycle has been broken.