How Long Do Fleas Live on Humans?
WouterFleas are parasitic insects that live on animals, including humans. Their life cycle is quite predictable, with very little variation across species. However, if you have a pet and are trying to control a flea infestation, you must take care to get rid of the fleas as soon as possible. Fleas will often bite humans if they are brought into your home by your pet’s fur, clothing, or shoes. After the fleas bite you, they will start reproducing within a day or two.
Fleas are small brown parasites that feed off the blood of humans. They cannot survive on their own, so you should keep your pet’s bed clean to minimize the number of fleas on your home. Even if your pet has no fleas, you can still treat them properly.
Adult fleas have legless bodies and are approximately 1.5 mm to 4 mm long. The mouth parts of the fleas are used for sucking and piercing. Although fleas are not considered a preferred host, they can bite humans if they are looking for a meal. Their bites will typically cause itching, swelling, and raised skin. The bites will also remain on the skin for up to a week or more.
The length of time that adult fleas can live on humans is similar to that of the fleas that live on cats and dogs. However, they can survive up to two weeks without a host. If you have a pet that is susceptible to fleas, the best course of action is to treat the pet immediately so that you can prevent infestations before they get out of hand.
