Can Humans Get Fleas From Their Dogs?
Yes, humans can get fleas from their dogs and other pets. If you’ve ever walked across the carpet and noticed a dark speck on white socks that suddenly appears then vanishes, that speck probably was a flea.
While pets undoubtedly enrich our lives in innumerable ways, this close proximity has put us at greater risk for sharing ectoparasites, such as the flea. But don’t fret just yet; the possibility of getting fleas yourself is not reason to put your pup in the dog house.
There are thousands of species of fleas, and most animals have a specific flea species that prefers that animal as its host. While the flea that dogs typically carry can—and do—jump over to humans and bite us, the dog flea cannot survive on humans.
First, dog fleas need dog blood to eat. Second, humans aren’t hairy enough to provide ample hiding coverage or the warm environment that dog fleas seek in a home.
Most fleas figure this out quickly and will return to your pup or seek a safer spot in your home. This makes treating your home a key part of flea prevention and treatment not to overlook.
What Do Flea Bites on Humans Look Like?
To help you find out whether that itchy red spot you’ve found on your skin is just a spot, a bug bite or something more sinister, here are some ways flea bites appear on humans:
Other signs your household has fleas:
Still not sure? Red, itchy bites on your body could mean bedbugs rather than fleas. Learn more about bedbug bites versus flea bites in our handy guide.
Can fleas live on humans?
“Fleas cannot live on people,” Dr. Bonk told The Dodo. “Fleas like the dark and warm confines of hair or fur, and people just simply don’t have enough of these to keep them happy. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t jump over from your dog and try to test out how hospitable a person’s body might be.”
This means that while fleas won’t hop aboard and move in, they’ll happily take a bite to see what you’re all about.
Flea Control : Can Fleas Live on People?
Fleas are Ectoparasites and nuisance pests that are spotted on dogs and cats. Did you know that the most common fleas are cat fleas in the United States? There are 2,500 different kinds of fleas across the globe. Being a pet parent puts you at more risk of catching a flea infestation as your beloved pet can bring them into your house from outside. Some fleas can even infest dogs that spend more time inside the house. Fleas may pose a risk not only for pet owners but also for the pet they attach to. Fleas can get into homes in different ways, such as through fabric or fur. They later lay eggs that finally hatch after the larva and pupa stagings. This cycle can cause a flea infestation on your pet that will need quick treatment. We at Accurate Pest Control believe that fleas can bite humans but don’t live on them. Initial bites don’t irritate the skin, but they develop a hypersensitive reaction if exposed for a long time.
