In most folklore, vampires look like everyone else. They are people like your neighbors and friends with only very little to tell them apart from humans. So how do you find out if someone is a vampire? You can create a series of tests, or look closely for certain tell-tale signs (though not too close).

Identifying traits

To identify a vampire, you really need to study the various types of vampires. There are over around a hundred species of vampires around the world. Some cannot even be told apart from humans unless they take their other form(s). However, there are some traits to look for which could mean that the person is a vampire.

Look at the teeth. Elongated or pointed teeth could mean vampirism. If the mouth contains fangs, then you need to get as far away from the person as possible. Many vampire species’ teeth are stained red from their chosen food, so look for pale pink to brick red stains on the teeth.

Constant dry-looking or irritated eyes are another sign. Look for eyes that reflect red in certain lights, turn red at apparently random times, or are red. Some vampire species have eyes that will turn black, have black irises, or are entirely black.

Next, look at the hands. Some vampire species will have hairy or furry hands. Most have longer than normal fingernails tapering off to a point, or are filed to points. Other breeds’ hands will be talon-like.

A common trait to almost all vampires is paleness. While some vampires can stand sunlight, none seem to like it very much. They won’t tan properly. If they do get in the sunlight, they will redden relatively quickly, sometimes their skin will begin to blister. They will also have an aversion to bright lights and mirrors.

Many vampires will have truly repulsive breath. The breath is created because few vampires will brush their teeth after a feeding. Some vampires can’t stand the taste of mint, which could also lead to the lack of brushing.

Strong sexual appeal and odd clothing are sure signs of vampires. Predators often have some form of appeal to their prey, or the prey wouldn’t get close to them. Vampires are the same way. The clothing however reflects their taste and their lives before they became vampires. Often, the clothing will be of a style that is severely out of date.

Other things to look for are stealthy or silent movement, inhuman speed and strength, and uncommon grace. Many vampires are thought to move with the grace of a predator.

The person in question will seem to have a lack of appetite. Few vampires will eat ‘human’ food. Those that do will only eat a few bites. All vampires abhor garlic and will avoid it at all costs.

Vampires are unwilling to enter houses of the living without an invite from someone living there. They will make excuses if someone else invites them in. In some folklore, inviting a vampire into the home makes them immune to most forms of identification.

Testing a vampire

If a plate of food seasoned with garlic is placed in front of them, they will make an excuse to leave until the food is cleared. Also, boiling garlic in the home will cause a vampire to leave.

Mirrors can be used to identify a vampire. Depending on the breed, the vampire will either have no reflection, or reflect the image of a demon in a mirror. Almost every vampire will avoid mirrors if possible.

Scatter seeds nearby then lead the vampire to them, without seeming to. The vampire will feel a compulsion to count or pick up each seed or grain.

Poor holy water in their drinking glass, or accidentally spill holy water on them. The vampire will react instantly, since holy water is like acid to them.

Watch how animals react around the person in question. Predatory animals will react with aggression, while prey animals will try to hide.

Conclusion

If you know what to do, and what to look for, vampires are relatively easy to identify. But to detect a vampire, it might be a good idea to study the various species. Most vampires react to garlic, mirrors, and holy items, but some are immune unless they change their form.