Since fleas are so tiny, the best way to find them is with a very thorough search. Focus on two specific areas. First, look where your pets spend lots of time sleeping or playing, which is where fleas are likely to linger. Second, look at ground-level fabrics like carpet, furniture upholstery and similar spots where it’s easy for fleas to hide. While you’re probably worried about fleas inside your home, it’s a good idea to check outdoors around patios or outdoor chairs to see if fleas are congregating in specific spots. 

To help protect local ecosystems, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service urges citizens to educate themselves on how to identify and kill spotted lanternflies, including adults, immatures, and their eggs. It’s also crucial to check vehicles and belongings for the insects before traveling to avoid spreading them to new areas. Lastly, become familiar with your state’s reporting tools, take pictures if possible, and include the location where the picture was taken. 

Through thorough inspections and sealing of potential entry points to deter access.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fleas can carry human disease-causing pathogens for Plague, Flea-borne typhus, and Cat scratch disease. These diseases are caused by fleas such as Oropsylla montana, Xenopsylla cheopis, and Ctenocephalides felis, and are commonly found in rural areas of the western United States, California, Texas, and Hawaii. Fleaborne parasites like tapeworms can also be spread to people and animals if they accidentally swallow an infected flea, and small children are at a higher risk. Symptoms may not be present in most infected people.