Why Fleas Don’t Bite Me
WouterIf you have house pets, like dogs and cats, you probably know that fleas are attracted to these animals. But people are also susceptible to flea bites if they come into contact with them. If you find flea bites on you, it’s important to understand why they are there. Not everyone gets bitten by fleas, but certain species of fleas are more likely to infest humans than others. If you’ve been bitten by fleas in the past, you may want to go see a dermatologist to find out why.
In general, flea bites cause itching because of the saliva of the flea. It contains an anticoagulant, which increases blood flow to the affected area. Because flea saliva is a foreign substance, the immune system responds to it. Consequently, the skin around a flea bite swells, and the area becomes red. This redness can be painful and lead to skin infections and allergic reactions.
Fleas are small, blood-sucking insects that live on people, livestock, and pets. They measure about one-tenth of an inch in length and are reddish brown to black in color. Fleas cannot fly, but their hind legs are adapted for jumping. Adult fleas can jump up to eight inches vertically and sixteen inches horizontally. They are wingless, so they can easily jump onto a human or an animal.
A common myth is that humans do not get bitten by fleas. The truth is, fleas do bite humans even if they don’t have pets. They feed on warm blooded animals, and in absence of more suitable hosts, they will bite humans.
