Why Can’t Dog Fleas Live on Humans?
WouterFleas are tiny insects that feed on blood. They’re dark brown or black and have six legs. They have strong claws on the bottom of their bodies and mouthparts that pierce the skin. They are considered a pest no matter where they live. When they bite, they cause itching and swelling of the affected area. Their bites can be itchy for several weeks.
Fleas are not harmful to humans, but they can easily jump from the fur of your dog to your skin and into your home. They will stay on your clothing and carpets, but they will also hide in furniture and cracks in hardwood floors. In order to reproduce, fleas need a female and a male to live on a human host.
Although fleas can live on humans, they rarely live on humans. The reason is that we have no hair or feathers to protect them. Fleas must feed on a human host for at least 12 hours in order to lay viable eggs. Fortunately, the human host is not usually infested for more than a few hours. Fleas bite humans on the legs, ankles, and feet. They usually jump onto humans from the bed of an infested pet.
Fleas can live on people if they live in the wild. They are attracted to animals with hair and fur and can burrow into their bodies. If conditions are right, the eggs will hatch within two to two weeks.
