There are certain species of fleas that are known to infest human hair. However, these instances can be explained by the fact that fleas are easy to transport, and humans have traveled long distances even before any kind of sanitation system was invented. Some of the most common flea species known for their ability to burrow through human hair and make lodges in it include the Ctenocephalides Canis, Ctenocephalides Felis, Ctenocephalides Scabiæ, Pulex Irritans, Pulex Pipiens, and most other closely related species. Some bugs like lice and bedbugs also enjoy nesting in human hair. Can fleas be in human hair? Of course, they can.
To understand how it happens, we should first talk about what causes fleas to infest different animals in the first place. Despite the fact that they are arguably the most annoying kind of insect there is, there is also much that we can say in favor of them. Their hard, shiny back and their habit of jumping all over make them very easy to spot from afar or in portraits and illustrations. They have been around for tens of thousands of years and are believed to be descended from the midge family, which would make them related to dragonflies and mayflies. They don’t seem like the most sympathetic creatures out there, but one thing must be said about them – their business acumen seems second to none.
If a species of animal lives on blood alone, and blood doesn’t just walk straight into its mouth without a little bit of help, then you’d better believe it – they’ve come up with a way to get that help. When it comes to fleas and humans, however, things are significantly more complicated than with any other animal species on Earth.
Fleas Are More Attracted to Pets Than Humans.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can fleas be in human hair?” the answer is yes. Although fleas usually feast on dogs and cats, they can live on humans if no animals are present to provide a meal. However, it’s less likely that these pesky pests will infest your scalp than a pet’s fur (or feathers).
Fleas are more attracted to pets than humans because their blood contains high levels of proteins and oils that the parasites need to survive. The carbon dioxide exhaled by our companions also lures fleas into their fur. Humans have comparatively little protein in our blood and don’t emit much CO2, meaning if you’re the only living thing around, you’re fair game for hungry fleas. If a pet is nearby, though, it’s unlikely that fleas will bite your scalp or body.
While some people may never experience an infestation of these insects in all their lives, others may want to know how to prevent them from getting into human hair. There is little we can do about it besides keeping our pets’ coats clean and regularly administering topical treatments designed to kill insect eggs (so check with your vet about the best product for cats or dogs).
Flea Bites Can Cause Infections.
Along with being simply annoying, fleas can also be dangerous. They can spread diseases, such as typhus fever, and cause allergic reactions in both people and pets. Fleas also have the ability to transmit tapeworms among humans and animals alike.
If you experience repeated flea bites, you may develop an allergy to flea saliva. This can lead to skin lesions or a rash that appears at the site of the bite. Some people are more prone to this than others. Anyone who experiences symptoms like hives or respiratory problems after exposure should see a doctor immediately.
Flea bites can also cause more serious infections in young children or those with compromised immune systems. Anemia is another potential side effect from repeated (and often unnoticed) biting by these pesky parasites, especially in those who are already malnourished for other reasons.
Fleas Can Live in Human Hair.
Fleas can live in human hair. They don’t want to live in human hair, because there isn’t much blood there, but they can manage until they get somewhere better. However, they usually won’t be able to live in human hair for very long:
- Fleas are short-lived. The lifespan of an adult flea is about 2-3 months. This means that if a flea takes up residence on your head and has no access to a nearby warm-blooded host, it will be dead within a few weeks.
- Fleas that have already been sucking your blood aren’t attracted to you anymore. Once the flea has sucked its fill of your blood, and this doesn’t take long, it’s done with you as a food source and will not re-enter your head or body unless it is starving and cannot find any other source of nourishment.
Fleas Are Not Just for Pets.
Fleas are not just for pets. Fleas can also be found in humans. You can get fleas in many ways, including:
- From other people;
- From other animals;
- From outside your home; and,
- From inside your home.
How to Prevent Flea Infestations in Your Home.
Strongly consider treating your pet with a topical treatment or flea collar. A topical treatment or flea collar is an effective way to prevent fleas from moving onto your pet. Topical treatments and collars can be purchased at any local pet store. When using a topical treatment, make sure you follow the instructions on the product label for safety and efficacy purposes. Once you have applied the medications correctly, they should provide protection against fleas for up to one month. Flea collars are also convenient because they will remain on your dog’s neck all day without the need for reapplication, but some dogs may find them uncomfortable. A flea collar is also able to provide protection against ticks as well as other types of parasites.
Clean up any messes immediately. If you see that your dog has thrown up or had an accident in your house, clean it up right away so that there is nowhere for fleas to live. Use a paper towel or rag and dry it up so that no moisture remains where the mess was left behind (this will make it less likely that fleas will want to move into this area)
You Have to Keep Your Home Clean and Vacuumed to Keep Fleas Out
The best way to prevent flea infestations is to keep your home and pets as clean as possible. Vacuum regularly, especially if you have carpets. This will help get rid of the fleas and their eggs.
Take any pets that may have fleas to the vet so they can be treated. The vet will also give you instructions on how to treat and protect your pet from flea infestations in the future. Make sure your pet has a flea collar, if needed, as well as any other treatments required by your veterinarian.
Wash any bedding in hot water if there are signs of fleas on it. Fleas can live in bedding material for a long time even without an animal host present, so constant cleaning is necessary once there is an infestation present.
If you notice that your home still has a significant amount of fleas living within it, consider getting one or more types of over-the-counter sprays to help kill off remaining bugs that might not be affected by natural preventive methods like vacuuming.