How to know if there are fleas in the apartment? - briefly
Inspect bedding, carpets, and pet fur for tiny dark specks (flea feces), live insects, or bite marks on skin; use a flea comb on pets and a white sheet on the floor to reveal any jumping fleas. If any of these signs appear, an infestation is present.
How to know if there are fleas in the apartment? - in detail
Fleas can be identified by several observable signs that do not require specialized equipment.
First, examine pets for excessive scratching, hair loss, or small, dark specks at the base of the tail. These specks are flea feces, composed of digested blood, and appear as pinprick-sized particles that turn red when moistened.
Second, inspect bedding, carpets, and upholstery. Lift fabric edges and look for live insects, which move in a rapid, jumping motion, or for the aforementioned dark specks. A flashlight can improve visibility on darker surfaces.
Third, monitor human skin for clusters of tiny, red, itchy bumps, often located on the ankles, calves, or waistline. Flea bites typically appear in groups of three to four and may develop a small central puncture.
Fourth, use a simple trapping method: place a shallow dish of warm, soapy water beneath a white saucer or a piece of white paper near pet resting areas. Fleas attracted to the heat will jump into the water and become immobilized. Check the trap after 24 hours.
Fifth, employ a flea comb on pets, moving the fine-toothed side through the fur and collecting any insects or debris on a white cloth.
If any of these indicators are present, the likelihood of an infestation is high, and immediate treatment of pets, bedding, and the living environment is warranted.