Can Fleas Eat Humans?
WouterFleas have a long and storied relationship with humans. In the 14th century, fleas spread a disease called the black plague, which killed over 25 million people in Europe. Prior to the widespread use of antibiotics, the fleas were the primary source of the disease. Today, some flea species also feed on humans, though this is rare.
Fleas are parasitic, meaning that they feed on the blood of their primary host, which is usually another animal. They can survive up to a week without a host. It is rare for fleas to infest humans, but if you find them on your pet, you may have caught them from them. If you think your pet has fleas, check the bedding and furniture for flea eggs. The eggs will likely fall from the animal’s body as it searches for another host.
Flea eggs are not sticky, but they do have spines. Flea larvae attach to fabrics and silk-like threads. They then form cocoons and live away from light. You may be worried that fleas are crawling on your clothes, but this is not true. You can wash your bed bedding often to kill flea eggs and larvae before they reach your skin.
Fleas feed on blood, and will often bite your skin to feed. The first few hours after your pet is infested are important in eliminating the fleas. Adult fleas are capable of living on humans for up to 8 weeks, but their life cycle is relatively short – only 17 to 26 days indoors. If you remove your pet from your home for more than a week, the adults will be dead.
