Can You Get Fleas Without Pets?

Having pets can bring with it all the side effects of fleas, but you can also get fleas on your own. Fleas are brown, tiny parasites that live on humans and feed off of their blood. They lay dormant for months before detecting a human host, so even if you don’t have pets, you may still be exposed to fleas.

Fleas are often associated with pets, but they can also infest buildings. Fleas are carried by other animals that may have lived in a structure previously, including bats and squirrels. They may also have been introduced to the home by a previous pet owner.

You can avoid a flea infestation by bathing your pets regularly and washing their bedding, plush toys, and collars. You should also clean your bed linens and vacuum often. If you suspect an infestation, consult your veterinarian for the right flea prevention treatment. You may also want to hire a licensed pest control professional to help you eliminate the infestation.

Fleas can survive in a house without pets for several days to a week. During this time, the female fleas will lay eggs to prolong their lives. Female fleas can lay up to 27 eggs per day. Therefore, the best way to prevent a flea infestation is to keep your house clean and dust-free.