Can Fleas Feed on Human Blood?

Although fleas usually prefer to feed on animals, in large infestations, they may consider human blood. Unlike dogs and cats, humans do not have thick hair, so they’re not an ideal host for fleas. Even if they do bite humans, they’re not likely to survive the process and will die before they’ve had the chance to feed.

To survive, fleas will feed on whatever they can get. Dog fleas prefer blood from dogs, while cat fleas feed on the blood of cats. Human blood is not the preferred food of human fleas, but it’s the only way they can feed. Human blood contains proteins that fleas need to grow.

While fleas are primarily found on pets, they can live without a host for up to 100 days. If they do not have a meal, they can’t lay eggs, so their population would decline. However, once they’ve taken a blood meal, they can lay eggs right away or within a few days.

Flea bites appear as raised, red bumps on the skin. These bites are often itchy and irritated. Occasionally, these bumps appear in clusters and can be very painful. Humans are most commonly bitten on the ankles, feet, and legs. However, fleas can bite any part of the body.