Can Fleas Hitch a Ride on Humans?

Fleas are wingless creatures with long legs and can jump long distances. They are typically reddish brown in color and covered in microscopic hairs. They are compact so they can move easily through the fur of animals. They do not swim, so they cannot hitch a ride on humans.

Fleas are usually brought into homes by pets. However, they can also infest households without pets. They can also come into houses through a neighbor’s pet or wild animal. Once inside, these fleas will live and breed in the home. Whether you’re at risk of fleas or not, the best way to control them is to take precautions and eliminate them from your home.

Fleas may carry a number of diseases. They can transmit bubonic plague, murine typhus, tapeworms, and allergic reactions. But these diseases are extremely rare in the U.S., but they can be spread to humans via animal fur and feathers. Fleas can also carry a variety of parasites, including a type of parasitic mite known as the tapeworm.

Fleas are tiny creatures. They are about an eighth of an inch long when fully grown. They’re reddish in color and can bite and scratch.