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How to Detect Fleas in Your Home

Detecting fleas in your home is easier if you have a pet so infested with them that they are obvious to the casual observer. But you might only suspect an infestation because of the tell-tale bites. The most common human-biting flea is the cat flea, a reddish-brown insect that prefers cats but can live on a variety of hosts. The flea bites cause small, red pustules that can be uncomfortable for you and your pets. If you suspect your home has fleas, there are methods to help you find out for sure.

Things You'll Need

White socks
Goose-neck lamp
Shallow dish
Dish soap

Instructions

- 1
  Put on white socks and walk through areas of your home where your pet spends most of its time. These can include sleeping and eating spots, furniture and places where your pet goes in and out of the house. Fleas will jump on your feet and ankles, and their reddish-brown or black bodies will show up against the white fabric of the socks. Other hot spots may include the tops of kitchen counters and the refrigerator if you have cats.
- 2
  Place a shallow dish containing a solution of warm water and dish soap near the hot spots.
- 3
  Place a goose-neck lamp over the water dish so that the light is about 5 or 6 inches from the water's surface. Turn the lamp on at night. The fleas will jump to the light and then fall into the water and drown. Some commercial flea traps use this principle, while others involve an adhesive that the fleas get stuck to.

Insects & Science