How to find out if there are fleas in the house? - briefly
Inspect pet bedding, carpets, and floor seams for small, moving specks and run a fine‑toothed comb through animals; a white sheet placed nearby will show fleas as they jump onto it. Set a sticky trap in sleeping areas for 24–48 hours and examine it for captured insects.
How to find out if there are fleas in the house? - in detail
Detecting a flea problem requires systematic observation of both the environment and any pets. Begin with a close visual survey of sleeping areas, upholstery, and carpet edges. Flea adults are 1–3 mm long, dark brown, and move quickly; spotting them on fabric or floor surfaces confirms activity.
Inspect pets thoroughly. Run a fine‑toothed flea comb through the fur, especially around the neck, tail base, and underbelly. After each pass, place comb teeth on a white surface; any small, dark specks that move are likely fleas. Examine skin for tiny black dots (flea dirt) and for red, irritated patches.
Set up passive traps to capture jumping insects. Place a shallow dish of soapy water beneath a small incandescent light or a night‑time LED lamp. Fleas attracted to the heat and light will leap into the liquid and drown. Check the trap daily for several nights.
Use a white sheet of paper or a light‑colored pillowcase, and gently rub it over carpet and rug fibers. Fleas will tumble onto the sheet, where they are easily seen against the light background. Perform this test in the evening when fleas are most active.
Examine bedding and pet carriers. Remove all linens and wash them in hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) for at least 30 minutes. After washing, inspect the fabric for live insects or flea dirt before returning it to the sleeping area.
If infestation signs persist after these steps, consider a professional pest‑control assessment. Specialists can perform thorough environmental sampling and recommend targeted insecticide applications, ensuring complete eradication while minimizing risk to occupants and pets.