Which factor does NOT contribute to flea infestations in newly occupied apartments?

The factor that does NOT contribute to flea infestations in newly occupied apartments is recent renovations. While renovations can create disturbances in an environment, they do not inherently contribute to the presence of fleas. Fleas and their eggs are often already present in living spaces, especially if there is a history of pest activity.

When a new tenant moves in, the existing conditions from previous occupants or even the building itself may still harbor flea eggs or adults. Dormant flea eggs can hatch and reactivate when disturbed, particularly if the unit was previously occupied by pets. The absence of effective pest control treatments allows any existing flea population to thrive and reproduce, leading to infestations.

In contrast, pets are known carriers of fleas; their presence significantly increases the likelihood of an infestation. Therefore, while renovations might affect the living environment, they do not directly lead to flea infestations. Understanding this distinction helps clarify the factors that typically lead to flea problems in new living situations.