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Can People Get Fleas? How to Prevent These Blood-Sucking Pests from Taking Over
Scientifically reviewed by Rachel Maldonado
Can People Get Fleas? How to Prevent These Blood-Sucking Pests from Taking Over
As cute and cuddly as our furry friends may be, they sometimes bring along an unwelcome hitchhiker: fleas.ย
And while most of us are aware that pets can get fleas, we sometimes forget to ask, โWhat about us? Can people get fleas?โ Itโs an unsettling question. And the even scarier answer is that, yes, fleas donโt discriminate when it comes to their next mealโand that means it could very well be you or your family members.
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are small, wingless insects that belong to the order Siphonaptera. Fleas have piercing mouthparts, which they use to latch onto their host. They are ectoparasites, which means they feed on the blood of their host, causing significant discomfort and itching.
Fleas are commonly found on household pets such as dogs, cats, and rodents, where they live in their hostโs hairy fur. Living in fur works particularly well for a fleaโs body, which is designed for jumping and maneuvering through dense places. They have long, powerful back legs that can launch them up to 150 times their body length so they can easily move around their hostโs hairs. Also, their bodies are flattened on the sides to help them crawl between dense hair shafts, while their backward-facing spines prevent them from being dislodged. In short, fleas are fast, stealthy, and quick.
Getting rid of fleas can be challenging because they can lay up to 50 eggs a day, and their lifecycle from egg to adult can take as little as two weeks. If you think your pet (or you) has fleas, itโs important to seek professional extermination help immediately.
Can Humans Have Fleas?
Unfortunately, yes, humans can get fleas. Fleas are attracted to any warm-blooded host; they can and will feed on any animal or person that they come into contact with.ย
Health Concerns
And beyond the severe itching and discomfort of their presence on skin, they cause serious health problems for both pets and humans alike. Fleas can historically transmit a variety of diseases, including typhus. In addition, flea bites and flea saliva can cause allergic reactions that might require medical attention.
How Do Humans Contract Fleas?
Humans can get fleas in two main ways.ย
- If youโre outside in a wooded area or doing yard work, you may come into contact with fleas that are hiding in the grass, shrubs, or other vegetation.ย
- If you have pets that are infested with fleas, whenever you pet and cuddle with your pets, their fleas can also jump onto you in search of a meal.
Once theyโre on your body, they will bite you and feed on your blood. The bites can be incredibly itchy and uncomfortable, appearing as small red bumps on your skin.
How to Prevent Fleas from Infesting Your Home
Fleas can be challenging to see due to their tiny size, which makes it difficult to confirm a flea infestation. They may appear as tiny dark spots on light surfaces or as specks in pet fur. Here are the best ways to spot fleas and prevent a full-blown infestation.
- Inspect your pets after theyโve spent time outdoors. Regularly checking your pets for fleas and ticks can help you catch any problems early and prevent more severe infestations.ย
- Use a flea and tick preventative on your pet.ย
- Keep your lawn trimmed and neat.ย
- Wash your petโs bedding regularly
- Vacuum and sweep your home regularly. Remember that fleas and their larvae thrive in tightly cluttered, furry, or dusty areas, so it is important to keep your home and yard as clean and tidy as possible.
But if you think you or your pet might have brought fleas into the house, in order to prevent them from further infesting your home, youโve got to take a proactive approach and call Hawx for help.
Tips for Getting Rid of Fleas
Already have fleas? Donโt despair.ย
One of the first things youโll want to do to get rid of fleas is to immediately wash all clothing and bedding on high heat. This will not only kill any adult fleas, but also any flea eggs that may be present. Do this several times until the infestation is completely gone. While the washing machine is going, bathe any pets with flea shampoo.ย
Vacuum your home regularly is also crucial for removing (and also preventing) fleas. The vacuum can capture both adult fleas and eggs, which might be found in your carpets, furniture, and bedding. Using baking soda or diatomaceous earth, in conjunction with vacuuming, can help remove fleas more efficiently, too. These products work by dehydrating the fleas from their exoskeleton, leaving them unable to function.
Ultimately, professional treatment is the most effective way to get rid of a flea infestation. Our pest control professionals at Hawx have access to specialized products and equipment that can address the infestation quickly and thoroughly.ย
At Hawx, our team of experts is fully equipped for and experienced in eradicating fleas from your home, helping protect it from future invasions. Join our satisfied family of customers and contact Hawx today to ensure your home is flea-freeโforever.
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