Do Fleas Have Blood?

If you’ve ever wondered whether fleas have blood, the answer is a resounding “Yes”. Fleas carry between two to five ul of blood in their abdomens. The blood is carried in two forms: in the larval stage, the fleas are brownish-black and carry little amounts of blood. The engorged fleas carry approximately five ul of blood, while the unfed fleas carry only a few drops. The blood that a flea carries is the hemolymph, which is the circulating fluid of insects. The flea’s blood is a red color, while the insect’s hemoglobin is a blue color.

Adult fleas are about one eighth of an inch long, with large back legs and reddish brown body coloring. The female flea lays eggs within the host’s skin and burrows into its host. It’s not uncommon for one flea to have hundreds of immature fleas. The flea’s dried blood will turn brown once it re-hydrates.

Although fleas don’t usually have blood, they do carry bacteria that can harm your pet. You can try to rub the infected flea with your fingers to kill it, but this could lead to an infection. Instead, try using baking soda or UV rays. These two methods are highly effective in killing fleas.

Flea bites on humans typically don’t swell and are easily identified. They usually appear on the legs, ankles, or forearms. In most cases, humans are exposed to fleas by petting a pet that has been infested. Infested bed mattresses are often hidden in the seams, piping, or bed frame. Also, loose wallpaper, drawer joints, and curtains can harbor fleas.