FLEA BITES 101
Fleas are generally associated with dogs or cats. However, if you have either of these animals in your home then you need to consider the possibility that you may also get bitten.
Fleas don’t just live on your animals; they can also live in your carpets and any fabrics around your home. If you walk past or over them they are likely to take a bite, you may taste good.
Unfortunately, if you have a flea problem you’re going to want to call your local exterminators. Due to the size of these pests and the rate at which they multiply it’s important to get on top of the problem quickly.
Recognize Your Opponent
Fleas are approximately ¼” long, they have extra long back legs which help them to jump exceptionally high for their size. This allows them to find their way all around your home, despite not having wings.
Although associated with pets, fleas will happily live in carpets and other soft fabrics. They are then perfectly positioned to take a bite from a passing animal, or even a human!
The Risks
Fleas are known to carry diseases that can affect humans. Perhaps the greatest example of this was the plague, where fleas played a part in transmitting the disease between humans.
That’s a good enough reason to get the pest control experts in!
Top Facts Regarding Fleas
- Fleas can survive for as long as 100 days without a host. If you don’t successfully remove all the fleas they will quickly reproduce!
- Fleabites have a central red spot, are small, and can trigger an allergic reaction, they won’t blister as bed bug bites do.
- Bites most commonly happen on humans at the foot or ankle level.
- Humans are the second choice; you’re most likely to get bitten if you’ve just walked past a flea that has emerged from a cocoon. Unfortunately, this means you already have a serious issue.
Keeping Fleas At Bay
Alongside regular pest inspections it’s a good idea to take your own steps to keep fleas away:
- Clean Regularly
Vacuuming and washing your floors on a regular basis will help to get rid of fleas and their eggs. You can also put down powder when you clean to help with this.
- Treat Pets
If you have pets it’s important to treat them regularly with flea and tick treatment. This should kill the fleas, eliminating the issue surprisingly quickly.
- Be Vigilant
If you’ve had a flea infestation you need to pay particular attention to keeping floors and fabrics clean. Preventing their return is preferable to dealing with another infestation.
Complications With Flea Bites
Although fleas can carry human diseases thankfully the risk is low. However, there are two other complications that you should be aware of.
- Allergic Reaction
If you are allergic to fleas then you may suffer from difficulty breathing, nausea, or even swelling of your lips and face. You’ll need to seek medical advice promptly.
- Infection
If the flea is carrying any diseases then it is possible they will be transferred to you when they bite. Be vigilant for signs of fever, typhus, or other infections.
