Do Fleas Take Human Blood?

The question of do fleas take human blood may seem strange. The fact is that fleas will bite humans but their preference is for pet blood. When their pet is not available, they will jump onto the human skin and suck blood until they are full. It’s not a very pleasant experience for either party, so flea killers are often recommended to get rid of the flea infestation.

Fleas are tiny creatures, approximately one-sixth of an inch long, and they feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals like humans. They have long claws on all six legs, and their flattened bodies make it easy to move through their hosts. Their mouths are small and have two piercing needles on either side. When they reach a blood vessel, the center needle pierces the skin and stabs into the blood. They then open up their salivary glands and suck down their meal. The salivary glands also contain an anticoagulant, preventing blood clotting.

Fleas usually live in carpeting, and vacuuming your carpets and furniture often can help kill their larvae. Flea bites may cause a red welt or wheal. These aren’t very itchy, but will eventually fade to an itchy papule.