Do Rats Have Fleas?

The answer to the question, “Do rats have fleas?” is not as simple as you might think. One study compared the flea counts of rats in the city in the 1920s and 2014, and found that New York rats had an average of 4.8 fleas per rat. At one location, the rate was as high as 25.7 fleas per rat. While none of the fleas carried plague bacteria, some had Bartonella bacteria, which can be harmful.

While fleas are rare in rats, they are sometimes transmitted to cats and wild rodents. The best way to ensure your rat is flea-free is to apply a strong flea shampoo regularly to the fur. When applying the shampoo, make sure the rat is out of water. Once you’ve lathered your rat, wait about ten minutes for it to have time to work.

Fleas live on the skin and nests of their host animals. They feed on blood and eggs, which means they can easily infest your home. The Oriental rat flea was first found in Egypt and is now widely distributed. It prefers tropical and subtropical environments. It’s rarely found in colder regions.

Fleas are reddish brown in color and are about an eighth of an inch long. Their flat bodies and long claws enable them to move through hair shafts. They also have spines on their legs and back.