How to detect the presence of fleas in an apartment? - briefly
Examine bedding, carpets, and pet areas for tiny dark specks or moving insects. Run a fine‑toothed flea comb on pets and drag a white sheet across floors to capture any jumping fleas.
How to detect the presence of fleas in an apartment? - in detail
Detecting a flea infestation in a dwelling requires systematic observation and targeted sampling. Begin with visual inspection of common habitats: bedding, rugs, upholstered furniture, and cracks around baseboards. Flea adults are small, dark, and move quickly; use a flashlight to scan crevices and the undersides of cushions. Look for flea dirt—tiny black specks that are actually digested blood. To confirm, place a damp white cloth over the suspected area and gently rub; the specks will turn reddish when moistened, indicating fresh excrement.
Next, employ a flea trap to capture active insects. Fill a shallow dish with warm water, add a few drops of dish soap, and position it beneath a light source near a potential hotspot. Fleas are attracted to heat and will jump into the liquid, where the soap breaks surface tension and drowns them. Check the trap after 24 hours and count any specimens.
For hidden stages, use a fine-toothed comb on pets and on fabric surfaces. Comb slowly, wiping the teeth onto a white paper towel after each pass. Flea larvae and eggs appear as tiny, pale, oval bodies; adults are visible as dark specks. Collect any findings and examine under magnification if possible.
If uncertainty persists, conduct a “flea vacuum test.” Vacuum a small, confined area (e.g., a corner of a carpet) for several minutes, then immediately place the vacuum bag or canister contents onto a white sheet. After a short period, examine the sheet for live fleas, dead insects, or flea dirt. The vacuum also removes eggs and larvae, reducing future populations.
Finally, monitor pet behavior and health. Excessive scratching, hair loss, or visible flea bites on the animal’s skin strongly suggest an infestation. Combine these observations with the environmental checks described above to reach a definitive conclusion.