How to determine if an apartment has fleas? - briefly
Check pet bedding, carpets, and crevices for small, dark moving insects and use a flea comb on animals; then shake rugs over white paper under a light to see any jumping fleas. A sudden increase in itchy bites on occupants also confirms the presence of fleas.
How to determine if an apartment has fleas? - in detail
Flea presence can be confirmed through visual signs, physical evidence, and behavioral cues.
Inspect bedding, upholstery, and pet areas for tiny, dark specks that move when disturbed. These specks are adult fleas or their feces, which appear as small, black grains resembling pepper. Use a bright flashlight to enhance visibility, especially in seams and folds.
Examine pets by parting their fur near the neck, tail base, and belly. Look for live insects, flea dirt (blood‑stained excrement), or irritated skin. A damp cloth can collect flea dirt; if the residue turns reddish when moistened, it indicates blood content.
Place white sheets or paper towels on the floor and leave them overnight. Fleas will jump onto the material, leaving visible tracks or live insects in the morning.
Use a flea trap consisting of a shallow dish filled with soapy water and a light source. Fleas attracted to the light will drown, confirming activity.
Check cracks, baseboards, and under furniture for larvae and pupae, which are small, cream‑colored, and less mobile than adults.
If any of the above evidence appears, the dwelling is infested. Absence of these indicators after thorough inspection suggests no active flea problem.