How Do Fleas Affect Humans?

Fleas can impact people psychologically if they fear insects or have related anxiety

Fleas are pesky parasitic bugs usually associated with pets. There are over 2,500 flea species around the world. These tiny, wingless insects survive on the blood of mammals. Fleas have been a major annoyance to animals and humans for a long time. Dog fleas, cat fleas, Oriental rat fleas, sand fleas, and ground squirrel fleas are the common flea species found in the United States. Homeowners with pets are at an increased risk of a flea infestation.

Fleas cannot fly but have powerful legs, which allow them to jump easily. Although fleas are commonly fond of warm-blooded animals like cats, dogs, rodents, rabbits, raccoons, and squirrels, they can also affect humans. 

How do humans come in contact with fleas?

Pet ownership is one of the most common reasons humans get fleas. Pets like cats and dogs become the carriers of fleas, from where they can jump onto humans. Coming into contact with animals like squirrels and rabbits can also allow humans to bring fleas home. As fleas love warm, humid environments and can infest furniture, carpets, or bedding, humans can get fleas if they spend time in infested areas. Spending time in grasslands or wooded areas also increases the risk of getting fleas, as they can jump on the skin or clothing. 

However, fleas don’t live on humans and prefer pets as their hosts, as their furs and feathers provide them with a favorable environment to thrive and reproduce. It is difficult for them to survive in human hair for long. 

How do fleas affect humans?

Here are a few dangers fleas can pose to humans:

Flea bites

Fleas can bite people on the lower legs, ankles, and feet, and their bites appear like small, red spots with a red halo. They are usually in a straight line or a group of three or four. Flea bites can be itchy and cause discomfort. Fleas, when they bite humans, inject saliva into the skin, which can cause allergic reactions in some people, including chest pain, breathing difficulties, nausea, swelling of the lips and face, and dizziness. 

Flea bites can also cause the skin to become swollen or itchy, resulting in hives, rashes, or red bumps. A flea bite can also get infected, leading to various complications. Fever, pain, redness, and swollen lymph nodes are some signs of infection from flea bites. It is best to visit a healthcare professional immediately for consultation, as allergic reactions to flea bites can prove dangerous. 

Flea-borne diseases

Fleas can transmit diseases like plague, cat scratches, and murine typhus when they bite humans. There is also a risk of tapeworm infection if a human accidentally ingests a flea containing a tapeworm. The symptoms (like headache, fever, and muscle ache) that follow a flea bite demand medical attention. 

Psychological impact

Fleas can impact people psychologically if they fear insects or have related anxiety. The fear of being bitten can restrict people from going outdoors or make them extremely cautious about insect infestations. 

Keep the property flee-free

Fleas are difficult to eliminate. It is best to contact a local pest control professional if a homeowner suspects a flea infestation. Pest specialists can locate the hiding spots, use the best ways to eliminate them, and ensure they don’t come back.

Kinder Safe Pest Solutions offers 17 years of experience in commercial and residential pest control serving Manatee and Sarasota counties. Call (941)254-2180 today!