Fleas – Why Do Fleas Bite Ankles?
WouterFleas are the culprits behind ankle and foot bites, and the first places they tend to bite are bare feet and ankles. Fleas prefer to live on furry animals, like a dog or a cat, but they also live in carpets and soft furnishings. They are able to live for weeks or months on a single host, so it’s important to take steps to treat a flea infestation as quickly as possible.
A flea bite can cause a variety of skin irritations, including rashes and bleeding under the skin. It can also cause pain in the joints and muscles. Small pimples or blisters can also appear. Fleas can also transmit diseases and carry parasites.
Fleas cannot fly, but their powerful back legs enable them to jump several inches. This allows them to feed on the skin of bare feet, which is why your ankles are the perfect height for a flea. If you wear shoes and socks, you’ll prevent fleas from feeding on your feet. You can also reduce the risk of flea infestations by wearing slippers while you’re out and about.
When fleas breed, they will prefer to bite humans. In addition, fleas are more likely to bite humans when their primary host is not as abundant as before. While there is no scientific reason for this, fleas do have a predilection for humans. One common theory is that humans have a chemical make-up different from pets’ skin, making the skin a more attractive target for them.
