Humans Get Fleas
Fleas are very small insects, about a quarter of an inch in length. They do not have wings, but their long hind legs are designed for jumping. They reproduce quickly and often live in fabrics and carpets.
Human and non-human animals are at risk of fleabites, which can be itchy and painful. Fleas can also carry human diseasesTrusted Source. The most famous example of this was the plague.
Owning a pet increases the risk of a flea infestation, but it is not only pet-owners who are at risk. Fleas can enter the home on any fabric or fur. Once in the home, their quick breeding cycle means they can rapidly become a nuisance.
This article covers everything you need to know about fleabites, including how to identify and treat them. This MNT Knowledge Center article will also give advice on keeping your home and pets free of fleas.
Fast facts on fleabites
- Fleas mainly feed on non-human animals but can bite and infect humans. They can be difficult to remove from the home and can survive for more than 100 days without a host.
- Bites from fleas can trigger allergic reactions, but they will not often have a serious impact on a person’s health.
- Fleabites will normally be very small with a central red spot, often appearing in groups of three or four.
- Blisters form on bed bug bites but not fleabites.
- Regularly clean and vacuum floors, furniture, bedding, and skirting boards to reduce the risk of flea infestation.
Fleabites on humans usually appear around the feet, ankles, or legs.
If uncontrolled, fleas can spread across the body and bite anywhere, especially on people with dense areas of hair on their legs or chest.
- The bites themselves will be very small with a central red spot.
- They often appear in groups of three or four and sometimes appear in a line.
- Fleabites will often form a small scab surrounded by a light red halo.
As many fleabites do not produce a reaction in humans, they may well go unnoticed.
How do fleas bite humans?
Humans are often the secondary options when it comes to fleabites, as they do not make good hosts. They tend to become targets for hungry adult fleas who have not yet found the family pet or another, more suitable host.
If an adult or child happens to walk or crawl past an adult flea that has just emerged from its cocoon, they may be the first option for a meal.
Most people will not develop noticeable symptoms from a fleabite. In general, fleas do not carry diseases.
Small children and people who are allergic may have a bad reaction. This can include swelling and itching. The skin may become irritated and painful around the bite, and sometimes hives and a rash will appear. Scratching the bite can cause a secondary infection.
In most cases, fleas will be a nuisance and can indicate a household infestation that needs to be dealt with, but they will cause no serious symptoms.
Complications
There are two primary complications from fleabites. These are allergic reactions and secondary infections.
If a person is bitten and begins to show the following symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately:
- difficulty breathing
- nausea
- swelling of the lips or face
A flea bite may also become infected. If the affected person has swollen glands, extreme pain around the bite, or excessive redness, they should speak with a doctor.
In some cases, fleas carry diseases that can be transmitted through bites, such as flea-borne spotted fever, plague, typhus, and cat scratch fever.
Humans Get Fleas
The humans and fleas connection is unique in the way that humans are the only species that are hosts to fleas. Fleas are one of the oldest parasites on earth, dating back to the dinosaur era! They have evolved over time to be able to survive in a variety of environments, but they are most commonly found in warm climates.
Fleas can jump up to 12 inches vertically and 7 inches horizontally.
Flea bites cause itching and irritation, which can last for days or weeks after the bite occurs. Flea bites are also known to cause anemia in some people due to their tendency to suck blood from their hosts.
List Of Humans Get Fleas
- PROVEN EFFECTIVE: Kills fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, bed bugs, ticks, cockroaches, ants*, spiders, mosquitoes, and many other labeled insects (*except carpenter, harvester, pharaoh and fire ants)
- LONG LASTING: Provides up to 7 months of flea protection and begins killing on contact
- QUICK RELIEF: Starts killing fleas in 5 minutes.
- COMPLETE HOME DEFENSE: Reaches fleas hidden in carpets, rugs, upholstery, and pet bedding; do not spray directly on pets.
- EASY TO USE: Even and controlled spraying pattern for optimal results
- FRAGRANCE FREE: Dries fast, non-Staining and no lingering odor.
- PET, HOME & YARD: 5% of fleas live on your pet while the remaining 95% live in your home or yard. Adams provides a multi-step product solution to fight pests on every front – Complete your system with our Pet, Home, and Yard products.
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 2.992 Inches |
| Width | 4.016 Inches |
| Length | 9.25 Inches |
| Weight | 1.72 Pounds |
- Detect & Control – Eliminate existing indoor flea problems or use it as an early detection device to monitor flea problems before they begin
- Lures Fleas – The flea trap uses light and heat, which simulates a warm-blooded host, to attract fleas from up to 30 feet away
- Traps & Holds – When fleas and other insects enter the trap, they become stuck fast to the SuperGrabber glue board
- Easy to Use – Simply insert a glue board, plug the trap in, and place where fleas are common. Replace the glue board every 2-4 weeks for best results
- For Indoor Flea Problems – Lure fleas out of upholstery, carpeting, cracks and more. It’s perfect for detecting fleas in areas where pets spend time
- Includes 1 TERRO Flea Trap and 2 SuperGrabber glue board inserts; refills glue boards are available (sold separately)
Additional Info :
| Color | White |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 4.85 Inches |
| Width | 6.5 Inches |
| Length | 6.5 Inches |
- KILLS & REPELS. Using natural essential oils, this spray is proven to kill by contact, repel and prevent 98-100% of fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. It eliminates the entire pest life cycle, including eggs, larvae and adults.
- TREAT NATURE WITH NATURE. A safe and effective alternative to collars, pills, chewables, and drops that’s powered by nature. Holistic vet approved. Enjoy worry-free peace of mind knowing your pets and home are protected with our non-harsh formula.
- SAFE FOR DOGS, CATS OF ALL AGES. Gentle enough to use on puppies, kittens, and senior pets as often as needed, yet powerful enough to fully eliminate pests on the skin and fur. Safe to use around the entire family. Kid-safe. Mom owned, Mom approved.
- 3-IN-1 PLANT-BASED SOLUTION. For dogs, cats, and home! A home remedy that kills fleas throughout the house on carpet, furniture, bedding, and flooring. Also a repellent in pet environments like dog kennels or cat condos. Invigorating Cedar scent freshens homes.
- POWERFULLY EFFECTIVE. Powered by nature and proven to work. Give your pet the best advantage in protection against fleas and ticks with our non-harsh formula. Cruelty free, biodegradable, and Made in the U.S.A.
Additional Info :
| Color | Cedarwood |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 10.5 Inches |
| Width | 3.4 Inches |
| Length | 3.7 Inches |
| Weight | 2.13 Pounds |
- GENTLE PROTECTION: Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Home Spray uses certified natural ingredients to kill fleas, flea eggs, and ticks on contact.
- PROVEN EFFECTIVE: Whether facing an active infestation or are applying for routine prevention, our spray is scientifically proven effective against pests but gentle enough to use around the whole family.
- CERTIFIED NATURAL OILS: Each steam-distilled essential oil is selected for its potent pest-fighting properties and is 100% Certified Natural.
- TOTAL HOME DEFENSE: Applies easily on surfaces, indoors and out, including dog bedding, crates, furniture, blankets, upholstery, carpets, outdoor surfaces, and more. Also gentle enough to be applied directly on dogs and puppies 12 weeks or older.
- MADE IN THE USA: Our products are proudly manufactured in the USA with quality domestic and internationally sourced ingredients.
Additional Info :
| Color | Green |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 0.81 Inches |
| Width | 3.38 Inches |
| Length | 3.38 Inches |
| Weight | 2 Pounds |
- EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 face sunscreen for oily skin contains 9.0% Zinc Oxide, Niacinamide and an antioxidant to promote healthy skin while blocking harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun
- Apply this face sunscreen for sensitive skin daily to help soothe sensitive skin types prone to acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation
- EltaMD UV Clear oil free sunscreen protects against breakouts and is an essential acne sunscreen for those with acne prone skin care concerns
- Broad-spectrum SPF 46 coverage ensures this sensitive skin sunscreen helps protect you from the sun and is a daily face sunscreen for your everyday skin care needs
- This Zinc Oxide sunscreen is a non greasy sunscreen sensitive skin lotion recommended by Dermatologists that is fragrance-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free, and noncomedogenic
Additional Info :
| Color | Untinted |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 1.5 Inches |
| Width | 1.625 Inches |
| Length | 1.625 Inches |
| Weight | 0.09875 Pounds |
| Release Date | 2004-02-19T00:00:01Z |