Where do fleas come from in an apartment and what do they look like? - briefly
Fleas usually arrive in a flat on animals such as cats, dogs, or rodents, or on used furniture and clothing that have been exposed to an infestation. Adult fleas are 1–3 mm long, dark‑brown, laterally flattened, and able to jump several inches.
Where do fleas come from in an apartment and what do they look like? - in detail
Fleas appear in residential units primarily because they have been introduced from external hosts or contaminated objects. Common vectors include:
- Domestic animals such as cats, dogs, or small mammals that carry adult fleas or eggs.
- Rodents, squirrels, or stray animals that enter through gaps, vents, or open doors.
- Second‑hand furniture, carpets, or bedding that previously housed infested pets.
- Clothing, shoes, or luggage that have been in flea‑infested environments.
Once inside, fleas spread by attaching to people or pets, crawling across floor coverings, and moving through cracks and crevices. Their life cycle—egg, larva, pupa, adult—can be completed within the apartment, allowing a small initial introduction to develop into a larger population if conditions remain favorable.
Adult fleas are small, laterally compressed insects measuring 1.5–3 mm in length. Their bodies are dark brown to reddish‑black, with a hard exoskeleton that reflects light, giving a slightly glossy appearance. The head is small and concealed beneath the thorax; eyes are absent in most species. Six long legs end in hooked claws that enable rapid jumping, often up to 100 times their body length. Antennae are short and tucked under the head, making them difficult to see without magnification.
Detection relies on observing the insects’ characteristic movement—quick, erratic leaps—and noting bite marks, typically small, red, itchy papules clustered around the ankles or lower legs. Flea feces appear as black specks resembling pepper, often found on bedding or upholstery. Regular inspection of pets, pet bedding, and floor seams can reveal the presence of eggs or larvae before an adult infestation becomes apparent.