Four Tips to Uncover the First Signs of Fleas

If you have ever lived through a flea infestation then you may be particularly anxious when you see a black speck on the carpet, the drapes, or perhaps on your pet. A flea problem that isn’t addressed promptly can turn into a full-blown infestation quickly.  Fleas are very tiny and can be difficult to see, are very difficult to crush, and can multiply rapidly.

Realize that your best bet to protect yourself and your home from fleas is to prevent them. We covered ways in which you can prevent a flea infestation in Tips to a Flea-Free Summer. But, even if you take those preventative steps you as a homeowner still want to be especially vigilant and constantly on the lookout for fleas. So, let’s take a look at the steps you can take to identify a flea infestation in your home before it gets out of control:

1. Be on the lookout, you will see them.  Fleas are very small, no larger than 1/8 of an inch, and dark brown to black in color.  They may look like a small speck to the naked eye.  Look for them on your pet, in your carpeting, on your draperies, or other furnishings as well as your pet’s favorite resting areas and bedding.  You will typically see them jump.  Fleas are excellent jumpers with the ability to leap as high as 8 inches!  Fleas are most active in New Jersey from July through October, although it is not impossible to have a flea outbreak at any time of the year.
2. Watch your pet for changes in behavior.  Is your pet scratching, licking or biting at areas of his or her body more than usual?  Are his ears bothering him and is he scratching at them?  Pets may begin to lose their fur when infested with fleas or develop sores or scabs on the skin.  Fleas are even known to cause tapeworms in pets.  If your pet is itching excessively and you cannot find other evidence of fleas a visit to your veterinarian will help to confirm a diagnosis. 
3. Know what flea bites look like on humans.  If you have small, red, itchy bumps on your body that are unexplainable, consider the possibility that you may have fleas.   It is a common misconception that fleas only infest homes that have pets.  Be aware that you do not have to have a pet to have a flea infestation.  Fleas feed on warm-blooded animals and humans.  We have treated many homes that have never had a pet and yet they become infested with fleas. 
4. Inspect your pet closely.  Use a flea comb to inspect the pet’s coat.  Flea combs are typically available wherever you purchase your pet supplies.  You are looking for live fleas that may jump between hairs.  Comb through your pet’s fur concentrating on areas near the animal’s neck and the base of the tail.  You should also look for flea dirt.  Flea dirt is droppings from a flea which is made up of dried blood sucked from your pet.  Flea dirt looks like small black specks and when moistened may have a tinge of red to it.  It is easiest to find on the pet’s stomach where the hair is the lightest.  The flea comb will help to find this and may confirm that your pet does indeed have fleas. 

Fleas are resilient creatures and are very difficult for homeowners to treat successfully. A thorough extermination requires you to treat yourself, your pet, your home, and in some cases even your lawn.