Can Fleas Live On Humans?

What are fleas?

Fleas are insects that suck the blood of the animal they live on. They are parasites , since they live off of their host. In the Middle Ages, fleas were the main spreader of the bubonic plague. Fleas feed exclusively on the blood of mammals and birds. Most pet-owners know of the nuisance that is finding fleas in your pet’s fur. Fleas irritate animals by biting them and sucking their blood.

Where do fleas live?

Warm-blooded animals like dogs, cats, rodents, and birds are the perfect host for fleas. Their thick fur or feathers provide the perfect environment for fleas to lay eggs. Eggs take anywhere between one and ten days to hatch, depending on the temperature and humidity. The eggs hatch, and the fleas are now called larvae . Larvae feed on blood and flea feces until they are ready to spin a cocoon. They are now known as pupa. The cocoon provides protection against harsh environmental conditions and insecticides until the adult flea is ready to emerge. Once the adult flea emerges, it feeds on blood and is ready to mate.

Can fleas live on humans?

Fleas cannot live on humans, as humans do not have as much hair on their bodies as other furry animals. Therefore, they cannot reproduce and lay eggs regularly on humans. However, fleas can jump 13 inches, and have a good chance of biting people around their ankles and legs. They generally bite three times in a row, which is referred to as “breakfast, lunch and dinner.” Flea bites leave itchy, red marks on the skin. Some people may be allergic to flea bites, leading to increased itching and redness.

Humans also cannot act as carriers of fleas from one place to another. Flea infestations may reach different places either on animals or on pet beds.

Apart from being a general nuisance, fleas can also cause tapeworm infections in animals and children. White, pumpkin-seed like spots in feces may be an indication of a tapeworm infection.

Can fleas survive on human blood?

While we know fleas cannot live or multiply on humans, the question remains whether fleas can feed and survive on human blood. Its clear they can feed on dogs and cats, but their ability to survive on human blood is a matter of debate. Some believe that although fleas prefer blood of animals, they can make do with human blood. On the other hand, it is believed that fleas cannot survive solely on human blood and may only use humans as temporary food source.

How to get rid of fleas?

Pets are most likely to attract fleas. Since fleas have a very long life cycle, it is difficult to get rid of them. Using flea shampoos, flea combs, tablets, and ointments is an effective way to get rid of fleas. Washing pet beds in hot water also prevents fleas from breeding. Natural remedies, like a solution of rosemary leaves, can also act as a flea deterrent. Regular check-ups at the vet act as a form of preventive care.

Conclusion

Fleas are a nuisance and are known to spread disease. Good hygiene and regular grooming can help prevent a flea infestation. While fleas cannot live on humans, they can bite exposed skin. People allergic to flea bites may experience excessive itching, redness, and swelling.

Flesch Kincaid Grade Level: 6

Flesch Kincaid Reading Ease: 73.7

Glossary

Larvae: The form of an insect between the egg and the pupa

Parasite: An organism that lives off of a host while causing harm to the host

Pupa: The form of an insect between the larvae and adult

Tapeworm: A parasite that lives in the intestine

References

Silver, N. (2020, September 24). Can fleas live on humans and bite us? treatment and prevention. Healthline. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from

https://www.healthline.com/health/can-fleas-live-on-humans#how-to-get-rid-of-fleas

Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (2023, February 11). Flea. Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.britannica.com/animal/flea

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, August 13). How fleas spread disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/fleas/life_cycle_and_hosts.html#:~:text=After%20finding%20an%20animal%20or,fleas%20enter%20their%20larval%20stage.

Ginta, D. (2019, November 27). How to get rid of fleas in your house, in your yard, and more. Healthline. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from

https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-home-guide/how-to-get-rid-of-fleas#pet-flea-removal

Contributors

Sanjana Kadur: Author

Sanjana is doing her masters in biochemistry. She loves all things biology and truly believes that dogs make the world a better place. She enjoys playing basketball and spends most of her evenings on the court. Writing for Smore Science gives her the creative freedom to write about science in a fun and relatable way.

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