Fleas are annoying parasites that cause discomfort not only to animals, but also to people. Many are sure that these bloodsuckers jump to humans only from dogs, but in fact there are over 2,500 species of fleas in the world. They attack almost all warm-blooded animals, with the exception of elephants, hippos and marine animals, informs Ukr.Media.
If you don't have pets and are still suffering from flea bites, the source of the problem could be wild animals (rodents, birds) near your home, fleas from previous occupants of the house/apartment, or even an infested environment (e.g., old carpets, basements, attics). Understanding this expands the search for the source of the infestation.
A person is not the most convenient host for fleas. They are uncomfortable on bare skin, and they do not linger in hair. However, this does not prevent them from biting people, especially if there is no more suitable victim nearby. Dog and cat fleas may well switch to a person if they are nearby.
Fleas bite humans, often making “exploratory” or “test” bites to see if a host is suitable. They may not stay on a person's skin for long, but it is these short visits that cause the bites and discomfort. This explains why you may feel the bites but not see the fleas running around on your skin or clothing.
The consequences of a bite depend on the individual reaction. Some people only get a small red spot that quickly disappears. Others may experience itching, redness, or even an allergic reaction. In rare cases, fleas become carriers of dangerous diseases, such as bubonic plague or anthrax, but in modern conditions the risk of infection is extremely low. Even if a flea has carried the pathogen, the probability of transmission to a person in everyday life is minimal. Do not panic about this, focusing on fighting the invasion itself.
To recognize a flea bite on a person, look for the typical signs: they are usually small red itchy spots, often arranged in groups or lines, most often on the lower legs, ankles and feet. Unlike mosquito bites, they may have a small “crust” in the center. This will help distinguish flea bites from other insects. It is worth treating them with an antiseptic and checking pets for parasites.
Checking your pets is just the first step. Remember that 95% of the flea population (eggs, larvae, pupae) is not on the animal, but in the environment – carpets, furniture, bedding, floor cracks. Therefore, in parallel with the treatment of the animal, it is necessary to carry out a thorough cleaning: vacuum all surfaces (and immediately throw the bag with dust outside the home), wash the animal's bedding and beds in hot water, and, if necessary, use special products for treating the premises (sprays or insecticides with insect growth regulators).
Fleas are much more dangerous for animals – they live in the fur, reproduce and cause severe irritation. In addition to simple irritation (which can lead to baldness and wounds from scratching), fleas in animals can cause flea allergy dermatitis (a strong immune reaction to even a small number of bites), anemia (especially in small kittens or puppies due to significant blood loss) and transmit tapeworms (helminths), since fleas are intermediate hosts for some parasites. This emphasizes the importance of protecting animals for their health. Therefore, timely treatment of your pet with special products will save you from many problems.
Use only veterinary flea products (wither drops, tablets, collars, sprays) that are appropriate for your pet’s age, weight, and species. Do not use products for dogs on cats and vice versa—it can be dangerous! Consult your veterinarian for the best product and frequency of treatment. It is important to treat *all* animals in the household at the same time and to do so regularly (often monthly), as even one untreated animal can maintain the flea life cycle in the home.
