Do human fleas bite, cat and dog flea bites

Fleas, their eggs and larvae

Dog fleas

Flea bites

Flea bite itch

Flea Remedies

Flea collar

Fleas belong to blood-sucking insects. They cause discomfort to many animals. Do fleas bite people? This question often worries those who want to have a pet. Indeed, many know firsthand how these parasites can pester.

Can fleas bite people

Fleas parasitize on the body of various warm-blooded animals (cats, dogs, birds and rodents). Insects prefer to settle on their body for the following reasons:

• In animals, unlike humans, a more delicate skin;
• The body of pets is much warmer;
• The lack of wool on the surface of the skin of people and water procedures using various hygiene products create unfavorable conditions for the living of bloodsuckers.

What fleas bite people

Most often dog fleas bite people. The number of recorded attacks of this type of bloodsucking parasites is a record. The reason for this is contact, during which insects from the animal’s body jump onto a person.

Do cat fleas bite humans? The parasites living on the body of these animals can not only feed on their blood. Feline can bite a person. Parasites living on the body of rodents behave similarly. Fleas of rodents are less likely to attack humans, although no less than other species deliver unpleasant sensations.

Why do fleas bite people

This type of insect is classified as obligate parasite. The structure of their oral apparatus is designed to use only blood, other food sources for this body are not suitable. Mostly parasites feed on the blood of animals. Why do fleas bite a person? They do this in order to get nutrition, thanks to which the reproduction process will be supported. And it is unlikely that an insect that is hungry and is next to a person will miss the opportunity to eat.

How do fleas bite

The bloodsucker has a complex structure of the oral organs. Outwardly, they resemble a thin needle, thanks to which the insect takes out the capillary and begins the saturation process. Due to the lack of growth, the parasite is forced to climb into the skin with the head in order to reach the bloodstream, as a result of which during bite he is upright.

The composition of the bloodsucker saliva includes an enzyme that prevents blood coagulation. Therefore, the puncture of the skin with a parasite occurs without anesthesia, which causes a sensation of itching in animals and people. In the photo you can see how dog or cat fleas can bite a person.

Characteristic features of a flea bite

It is possible to determine that a bite was made by a flea by the following signs:

• Bites can be double or even triple. However, fleas do not make paths characteristic of bites of domestic bugs;
• The puncture is accompanied by severe stitching pain and burning;
• The presence of severe itching after a bite;
• A swelling appears at the site of the bite;
• More often parasites bite their legs (lower legs and feet) and lower back. In a sleeping person, insects prefer to hit the neck and arms.

Below in the photo you can see how the flea bites and the consequences of the bite itself.

Are flea bites dangerous?

Dog or cat fleas are very dangerous parasites.Their bites not only create discomfort, but also enough dangerous to human health.

1. They can cause an allergy to an enzyme that interferes with the blood coagulation process. The reaction may be accompanied by redness and severe itching, extensive rashes and swelling are also possible.
2. The probability of infection of the wound by the insect itself is high, since fleas are considered carriers of many dangerous diseases.
3. Severe itching at the site of the bite can cause infection of the wound.

   

Why do some bite, but not others

Many people ask themselves, “Why don't fleas bite everyone?” or "Why among my family members they only bite me?" In reality, each of us may be exposed to possible bites, but some simply do not notice them.

According to experts, most people with blood type 1 are more likely to bite bloodsuckers. It is more appetizing for insects. The blood of people of groups 3 and 4 does not cause much interest in parasites, but despite this, attacks can still occur. The flea is also attracted by the most delicate and thin skin, fever and the smell of human sweat.

How to remove parasites

If in the house fleas of animals bite people, then the first thing that is necessary is to know how to deal with them. First you should spend a thorough inspection of the cat's hair, dogs, another pet for the presence of jumping insects and wounds from their bites. Also, there should not be small larvae on the hairs of the hair. Today there are many drugs that can remove parasites from the wool dogs and cats any age categories.

If fleas bite you at home, then it is imperative to treat the room:

1. Preliminary wet cleaning will help get rid of some part of the parasite population and traces of their vital functions.
2. It is advisable to reconsider and overhaul the clothes, subject them to a hot iron treatment.
3. Food, children's toys and utensils must be moved to another room to prevent toxic substances from entering them.
4. To process a room or apartment using insecticidal drugs such as "Get", Raid, Raptor, Dichlorvos, Clean house, Butox 50, "Combat" or "Cucaracha."

   

5. A protective kit (respirator, goggles, gloves and a suit) is required.
6. All people, with the exception of who will do the disinfection, must leave the room.
7. The selected product is used to treat surfaces, cracks under baseboards and window sills. They can also be found on carpets and furniture. Given that fleas are capable of high jumps, a zone should be processed that is at least a meter above the floor.
8. After the sanitation of the premises, it must be left for the time specified in the instructions. Then ventilate thoroughly.
9. Carry out wet cleaning.
10. To achieve full effect, treatment should be repeated after two weeks.

What to do so that fleas do not bite

To prevent bloodsuckers from returning to your home for new blood after sanitary cleaning, the following preventive measures must be taken.

1. For your four-legged pets you need to purchase flea-proof collars for dogs and for cats. They will help protect the animal from parasites during a walk and in contact with their relatives.

   

2. The use of special repellents. It is enough to anoint the feet and hands with a special ointment or spray them on the eve of a trip to nature, and the insects will not be able to bite you. It is these funds that will help to escape from bloodsuckers and at home.
3. You can also ensure your safety with covered clothing. It will prevent parasites from reaching the skin.
4. If there is a suspicion of the presence of fleas, it is necessary to control the situation in order to avoid bringing it to a critical state.

Bite treatment

If you or your family members had to experience flea bites, then you can get rid of painful sensations as follows.Rinse the swollen place with water, after which it is necessary to lubricate it with a solution of antiseptic soap from time to time. You need to attach a piece of ice to the wound if the insect has just bitten you. It is very important to try not to comb the damaged area in order to avoid infection.

There are means by which you can smear the site of flea bites after some time. Sulfur ointment, a solution of baking soda or ethyl alcohol perfectly relieve the sensation of itching. You can also use vodka, brilliant green or iodine. Such remedies can prevent infection of the wound.

There are also folk ways to get rid of itching. You can get rid of discomfort with lotions from a decoction of dandelion, calendula or plantain. Well removes the inflammatory process of tea tree oil, aloe juice and lemon. Also for these purposes, you can buy pharmacy ointments, gels or creams based on hydrocortisone.

In order not to share your living space with parasites, it is necessary to maintain cleanliness in the house. Knowing the theoretical part about how to get them out, having processed the apartment and what to smear in case of a bite, you are unlikely to encounter such a problem.