How Fleas Burrow Under Human Skin and Fur

Fleas have specialized mouthparts that allow them to burrow under human skin and fur, and feed on the blood of a host. They can survive for several months without eating, but once an infestation is present, fleas will select humans as their host. If you don’t have a pet to share your home with, the chance of fleas infesting your home is high.

The chigoe flea, also known as the jigger or sand flea, lives in the Caribbean, equatorial Africa, and Central and South America. They can cause a variety of infections, including tetanus and gangrene. Flea bites can also be harmful to humans, causing allergic reactions and dangerous diseases.

Most flea infestations are caused by the death of a pet or the tenant moving out. In these cases, fleas will bite humans who are now living in the home. This is especially common among new tenants in apartment buildings. The absence of a pet means that fleas have nowhere to feed.

The smallest flea species, the Tunga penetrans, is just one millimeter long. During its two to three-week life cycle, it lays hundreds of eggs. It then dies in the epidermis.