How to check if there are fleas or not? - briefly
Examine the animal’s coat and skin for small, dark moving insects, redness, or bite lesions, and run a fine‑toothed flea comb over a white surface to capture any specimens. If any fleas or flea dirt are found, an infestation is present.
How to check if there are fleas or not? - in detail
Detecting a flea infestation requires systematic observation of both the animal and its environment. Begin with a visual examination of the pet’s coat. Part the fur in several locations—behind the ears, along the spine, and near the tail—using a fine-toothed comb. Look for tiny, dark specks that move quickly; adult fleas are 1–3 mm long, resembling small brown grains. Pay attention to any small black dots that may be flea feces (digested blood), which often appear as tiny specks on the skin or bedding.
Next, assess the animal’s skin for irritation. Red, inflamed patches, especially around the neck and abdomen, frequently indicate flea bites. Excessive scratching or grooming behavior also suggests a problem.
Inspect the living area for indirect signs. Conduct a thorough sweep of carpets, upholstery, and pet bedding. Use a white sheet or paper towel to collect any falling debris; flea feces will appear as dark specks that turn reddish when moistened with water. Place a shallow dish of soapy water near the pet’s sleeping spot; fleas attracted to the moisture will drown and become visible.
If uncertainty persists, employ a flea trap. Fill a shallow pan with warm water, add a few drops of liquid dish soap, and place a light source above it. Fleas drawn to the light will fall into the water and be caught.
For confirmation, consider a microscopic examination of collected specimens. Place a few suspected fleas on a glass slide, cover with a coverslip, and view under 40‑100× magnification. Adult fleas exhibit a hardened, laterally flattened body and distinct jumping legs.
Summarized checklist:
- Part fur with a fine comb; look for moving specks.
- Examine skin for redness, irritation, and excessive scratching.
- Search bedding, carpets, and upholstery for dark specks; test with water for reddish reaction.
- Set up a soapy water trap near resting areas.
- Use a light trap with warm, soapy water for additional capture.
- Verify specimens under magnification if needed.
Following these steps provides a reliable determination of flea presence, enabling timely treatment and prevention measures.