A flea bite is not only itchy and annoying, it is also potentially dangerous. Fleas can cause conditions such as allergic dermatitis, spread diseases, and even transmit bubonic plague. In this article, we’re going to go over all of the information you need to know about dealing with these pests.
Do fleas bite humans?
Fleas bite both humans and animals, unfortunately. They like to feed on the blood of mammals and that includes everything from household pets to humans. Fleas can jump 150 times their height, and this allows them to easily jump on a pet and enter the home. They might also jump directly onto a person’s shoe, pant leg, or picnic blanket. Once inside the home, they will nest in areas where their hosts sleep such as the bed or the carpet, in the case of a pet. To make matters worse, they breed very quickly, with a single female being able to produce up to 500 fleas over their lifespan, which is about 100 days. Pet owners are primarily at risk for developing a flea infestation, but these pests can also be brought onto a property by wild animals such as skunks or raccoons.
How do you recognize a flea bite?
Flea bites are small and they appear in groups of up to four, sometimes in a straight line. They are red bumps, and you will usually find them around the legs, ankles, waist, armpits and groin area. Sometimes they may also pop up near the knees and elbows, under the area where skin folds are formed.
Are flea bites dangerous?
Flea bites can be dangerous, especially to pets, where they can cause serious reactions such as allergy dermatitis, and transfer parasites such as tapeworms, along with inducing anemia. When it comes to humans the bites are very uncomfortable, causing itchiness and pain in the case of excessive scratching. Scratching may also damage the skin and cause infections. When it comes to diseases, fleas may spread murine typhus and the bubonic plague, although this is rare.
How do you treat flea bites?
Flea bites do not generally require treatment, as they will go away on their own, but if you find the itchiness too bothersome you can use anaesthetic creams or calamine lotion. You will also want to prevent further bites from happening, in which case its best to have the infestation permanently removed by a professional. When it comes to prevention, you want to keep your yard free of tall grass. You also want to remove any areas that attract rodent infestations, since fleas will travel via these hosts. In order to do this, make sure that you remove any overgrown shrubs or trees. Finally, you want to make sure that you groom and wash your pets regularly and that you take them to the veterinarian at least once a year.
Do you have a flea infestation in your home?
If you have noticed a flea infestation in your home, it’s best to get rid of it right away. Contact us today and we will send over one of our team members to help you out.