Where Do Dog Fleas Bite Humans?
WouterFleas can bite people and pets, but most often they are a problem when they are present in the home. Fleas are blood-sucking insects about an eighth of an inch long. They have flattened bodies and long claws on their legs. Fleas have special adaptations that allow them to move easily between hair shafts. They also have spines on their legs, mouth, and back.
If you’re worried that you’re being bitten by fleas, there are many ways to treat them. The first step is to identify them. You can tell if you’ve been bitten by a flea by the number of tiny jumpers. You can also look for small, discolored bumps on your skin. Flea bites can be painful, especially if they’re close to your skin.
Flea bites are red and may look like small red dots. Often they’re clustered and have a red halo surrounding them. Fleas typically bite humans on their feet, ankles, and lower legs. People who are allergic to fleas may experience larger areas of redness. The redness can last for several hours or days depending on how much the fleas bite.
Fleas can survive for months without feeding. They use saw-like mandibles to make their way through the skin. The saliva they exude contains anticoagulants which encourage blood flow. When they are fed, female fleas will lay eggs. Eggs are oval and light in colour. The larvae will hatch within a few weeks. They will then emerge from their cocoons when they hear footsteps or other movement.
