We share the world with many kinds of bugs; hence flea bites on humans are a common occurrence. Fleas bite humans even in the absence of pets, which are their primary hosts. Many pet owners as well as those without any four-legged furry friends tend to experience such bites.
Typically though, flea bites on humans result from cat and dog fleas, though, human fleas or Pulex Irritans can also cause the bites. Surprisingly, the name ‘human fleas’ is misleading because, in reality, these fleas live on denning animals like foxes, skunks, badgers and nesting birds like owls, ducks etc. Fleas feeding off rats, bats and rodents can also bite humans in absence of these regular hosts. Western and European chicken fleas, sticktight fleas, oriental rat fleas and female chigoe fleas also bite humans.
If you have been bitten by an insect, the first thing you need to do is determine what caused the bite and estimate the danger. Below are some common signs and symptoms of flea bites.
Signs and symptoms
Flea bites on humans rarely cause any serious health conditions though rat fleas can sometime defecate on the human skin. If this occurs, the bacteria from their excreta can enter the bloodstream leading to serious infections like Bubonic plague, Murine typhus etc.
Flea bites are also highly annoying and irritating. Scratching the bite can lead to several types of skin infections. Here are the signs and symptoms of flea bites on humans:
- Fleas bite humans on the arms and legs, though, in sleeping humans, the bites can occur anywhere on the body.
- Some humans are susceptible or allergic to the flea saliva. This leads to production of anti-bodies which cause swelling, irritation or redness.
- Female chigoe fleas burrow inside the human skin to lay eggs. This can give rise to white scabies like burrow marks.
- As stated above, flea borne typhus can occur when the flea feces enters a cut or abrasion on the skin. Typhus is generally mild and rarely fatal in healthy individuals.
- Swallowing an infected flea can lead to Tapeworm infections. Naturally, this is a rare occurrence.
- Today, the urban rat population has reduced considerably. But, in the olden days, rat fleas were responsible for the plague. Plague outbreaks are still common in developing regions of the world. Plague causes high fever, swelling in the lymph nodes etc.
Thus, the reaction to flea bites on humans varies from individual to individual, the type of fleas as well as the time for which the biting occurs. Chronically bitten humans tend to become immune to the bites. If you have been bitten, here is a guide to treat your flea bites.
The mechanism of flea bites on humans
Fleas bite humans primarily to seek nourishment from their blood. Adult fleas are equipped with specialized mouthparts. These consist of 3 parts: 2 stylets and a modified labium in a bundle. The entire bundle is serrated which allows the ‘saw-like action’ on human skin. This allows the pests to locate the blood vessels. Fleas inject saliva into the skin to prevent the blood from clotting, an action which allows the parasites to enjoy the flowing blood.
In some individuals, the body reacts to the flea saliva by producing histamine, leading to red wheals, or clusters of small sores. Fleas may need to make multiple attempts to locate the blood vessels; hence there may be multiple bite marks in a given area.
Controlling fleas
Preventive flea control is essential to prevent flea bites on humans. As new products become available in the market, it is difficult for consumers to choose minimally toxic products that are effective as well as safe. Hence education and constant vigilance is necessary to keep up with the safety and efficacy of the new products. Ongoing research is also required further to control flea populations on animals. Only this can prevent the flea bites on humans.
If you have any questions, just write me. I have been in the pest control business for many years, so I know quite a lot about flea bites and fleas.
Flea Bites on Humans 