How can I know if there are fleas in my house?
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My cat recently had fleas. After shampoo and flea med he is flea free. even though there is no evidence of fleas in the house, I would like to feel sure that there aren’t.
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I thought we had conquered our flea problem so I used someone's suggestion from the internet-take a shallow lid or plate and put water with some dish soap in it and put it in the area you are experiencing fleas with a light or lamp that can sit above it. The fleas will go toward the light (or heat) and land in the water mixture and drown. I thought I was good to go but there were 5 fleas in it the next morning, so I was back to work. I used 20 Muleteam Borax and diatomaceous earth. I sprinkled them on the carpet and swept it in with a broom, and vacuumed it out a week later. So far so good.
Believe it or not, fleas likely aren't ALL over the house. They tend to be in "nests" in specific places like where your lovey likes to snooze (not just its bed). Pull on some white socks..either on your feet or your hands...and walk or "dig" around (especially in cracks, folds, under pillows, etc). If you see small black spots, it's probably not pepper :-) ! This also works outside...just remember that those lil suckers can jump 6 feet. if you're spraying outside. Inside, you can also set up a lamp or flashlight to shine on the floor, etc. and lay a piece of white paper in the light. The fleas jump on the paper. Happy hunting!
They'll let you know by biting you. We had the same problem, ended up putting the cat in a collar the vet recommended (Seresto) and had to wash every throw rug and pillow, and all the bedding in the house (the cat gets around). We were told by the vet that the fleas leave eggs, so after all the fleas are killed, you must keep treating for the subsequent fleas that hatch weeks to months later. Vacuum constantly, and throw away the bag after each time.
Believe it or not, the fleas came in the house by hitching a ride in camp gear/luggage brought back from a trip. Poor indoor kitty was their victim.
One way to check for fleas is by attracting them with heat. Fill a bowl with warm water and make it slightly soapy with detergent. Next, place the bowl on the floor and shine a lamp over the water. Fleas will be attracted to the light and jump up towards it, then land in the water. The soap kills them, so you’ll have plenty of evidence of their presence floating in the bowl.