Are Fleas Dangerous to Humans?
We know that fleas can be dangerous for pets, but are fleas harmful to humans, too? As it turns out, fleas aren’t just a menace that causes health issues for your furry friends. They also carry several illnesses that can affect humans.
Let’s learn more about what fleas do to humans, where they come from, and how to prevent them from taking over your home.
Can Fleas Make Humans Sick?
Why are fleas bad for humans? Fleas are known to carry and transmit several diseases. Their bites also commonly cause itching, scratching, and skin irritations. Intense scratching can break open the skin, introducing bacteria and leading to secondary infections.
Another serious danger of flea bites is allergic reactions. If a person is allergic to fleas, their itchy bite can turn into serious swelling, redness, and discomfort at the bite site.
If you start to experience extensive swelling, redness, or persistent itching, consult a medical professional. You could be having an allergic reaction that needs attention.
Even if you don’t experience an allergic reaction, monitor yourself for symptoms such as a fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, or swollen lymph nodes after a flea bite. All of these symptoms could be a sign of a more serious problem that requires medical attention.
Diseases Transmitted by Fleas
One of the most serious effects of fleas on humans is the transmission of dangerous diseases. Flea-borne illnesses like typhus and murine typhus have symptoms including fever, headaches, and rashes. If left untreated, they can turn into more severe illnesses.
Although rare, fleas can also transmit the plague. Symptoms include a sudden fever, chills, headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, and swollen and painful lymph nodes. In some severe cases, the plague could cause necrosis, where the skin turns black and dies.
How Fleas Spread to Humans
Most of the time, our pets bring them into the home. Once inside, they infest bedding, carpets, and furniture, where they can hide until they get the chance to bite.
However, they don’t always fall off their host and find a new spot. Sometimes, they remain on your furry friend. Since fleas can jump, it’s not hard for them to move from animal to human as you bend down to play with your dog or cat.
Wild outdoor animals, like rodents and birds, are also good hosts to hungry fleas. If you spend a lot of time outdoors with a high wildlife population, you could also pick up a flea or two that way.
In very rare cases, fleas can jump from human to human. This can happen in particularly overcrowded or unsanitary conditions. If you find yourself in a rare situation like this, be sure to check yourself for fleas before getting comfortable in your own home again.
Protecting Yourself from Flea-Borne Diseases
Since fleas have a quick life cycle and procreate quickly, a small problem can quickly become a big infestation. Females can lay between 40 to 50 eggs daily, leading to hundreds in their lifetime. They start quickly, too, often within 24-36 hours of their first meal.
If you spot a flea, notice your pet acting strangely, or feel a bite, invest in high-quality flea control services to get them taken care of quickly. If you give them too much time, it can turn into a full-blown infestation!
One of the best ways to protect yourself from flea-borne diseases is to prevent them from taking over your home in the first place. Invest in preventative measures, such as flea repellents and flea medications for your pets. Professional, proactive pet control solutions can also help keep your home pest and itch-free!
Professional Flea Control
If you don’t feel up to taking on a flea fight by yourself, reach out to your local pest control specials. Mosquito Joe® services will protect your home with high-quality pest control solutions. Our experts know exactly how to combat fleas so you can get back to enjoying your home!
Persistent fleas are no match for us! We’re so sure that you’ll be satisfied with our services that we back them with the Neighborly Done Right Promise™️ and the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee.
Request a free estimate today to learn how we can help you stay itch-free!
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mosquito Joe location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
