Where Do Cat Fleas Bite Humans?
WouterCat fleas are a common parasite of domestic cats, but are not often found on humans. These external wingless insects feed on the blood of their host. They look like small, shiny black dots and multiply quickly. One flea can lay up to 20 eggs a day.
Cat flea bites can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. The flea’s saliva contains an anticoagulant that increases the blood flow to the affected area. This allergy will cause the skin to swell, leading to painful itchiness. If you think you might be a flea victim, you should seek medical attention.
The most common scenarios that cause fleas to infest homes include a dead pet or a new tenant moving out. In these cases, the fleas’ favorite food source is no longer available, and they begin to feed on humans. This is especially dangerous for new tenants of apartment buildings.
Fleas will often bite humans on the lower extremities. They find their host by following body heat, carbon dioxide, movement, and vibration. Fleas are armed with strong legs, powerful claws, and needle-like mouthparts called proboscis. Once they find a host, they will bite them anywhere within jumping distance.
In the United States, the cat flea is the most common flea, responsible for over 90% of all pet fleas. Although fleas are not effective disease carriers, they may bite humans and provide intermediate hosts for parasitic tapeworms.
