Are Fleas Harmful to Humans?
WouterWhile many people may think that fleas are harmful to humans, this isn’t necessarily true. While fleas can be irritating to people, they do not actually live on humans. Instead, they are found on animals with fur, including dogs and cats. The bites from fleas are usually red for a few days and eventually go away without treatment. But there are cases when flea bites can cause an allergic reaction.
Fleas can bite humans if they are not around pets, but in most cases, flea bites are not harmful to humans. However, if a person is allergic to flea saliva, they may develop a rash. A steroid cream can help ease the itching that can occur from flea bites. Also, fleas are spread from one animal to another, so treating them properly is crucial.
Fleas live for about 100 days, and they are highly adaptable. During this time, females produce 400 to 500 offspring and move from animal to animal. Fleas can jump up to 13″ high, and their legs are long enough to enable them to jump long distances. Fleas often stay hidden in tall grass or wooded areas. In addition, a home with clutter, pet hair, or bird nests can be an attractive place for fleas to live.
Fleas’ life cycle includes four stages: the egg, larva, pupa, and adult. During the first 24 hours, female fleas lay up to 50 eggs, which hatch into a pupa. These larvae feed on feces in the environment and then spin a cocoon. Then, they die.
