Can Fleas Feed on Humans?
WouterFleas are an unpleasant nuisance that can bite humans. These insects feed on blood, so they will bite you to find your blood vessels. Fleas can jump from one animal to another, and their mouthparts are able to penetrate the skin and find blood vessels. If you have fleas in your home, you should take steps to prevent them from biting you.
Most flea species prefer animal hosts. Humans do not have the thick hair and feathers that they require for reproduction. Typically, a flea needs at least 12 hours on a human before it can lay eggs. In addition, a human is generally too small for fleas to lay their eggs. This means that humans are the least likely host for fleas. If you think your pet has fleas, check his or her fur.
Fleas lay eggs that hatch into small white larvae. Larvae are legless, blind, and can survive up to 100 days without a host. Without a blood meal, they cannot lay eggs, and the population would quickly dwindle. However, once they have a blood meal, they can lay eggs immediately.
Fleas usually live on animals with fur or feathers, and they tend to land near the ground. They often latch onto clothes, especially when they are outdoors. Flea bites are typically small, red bumps. These bites are usually located on the legs, elbows, or knees and will look very different than tick bites. They are also nocturnal, so they are most likely to bite you during the night. You should treat your pets as soon as you notice an infestation.
