Can Fleas Kill a Human?

Fleas are tiny, flat insects. They measure one-eighth to one-sixth of an inch long. They are flattened from side to side and have six legs. They have mouthparts for biting, and their wingspan is around 100 times longer than their body length. Because of their amazing adaptations, fleas are well-suited to hunt down blood-filled mammals such as humans.

The adult flea lays two to fourteen eggs per day. The eggs are white in color and are usually laid on the hair or skin of a host. The eggs hatch in a period of one to 12 days. The resulting larva feeds on the dried feces of the adult flea or dead animal parts.

Fleas are often found in farm animals and barnyards. Although they are mostly harmless, fleas can be dangerous because they transmit disease and can cause skin irritation. Fleas live on the top of the skin and beneath it. They also reproduce quickly. Originally from South America, the human flea has four distinct life stages.

Humans don’t contract fleas from their pets, so the risk of catching them is small. However, the bites of these fleas are itchy and difficult to miss, so you’ll be sure to notice if you have fleas on yourself. Although fleas cannot live in human hair, they can bite you and lay eggs on you. The most common place they will bite you is the legs, ankles, and feet.