Fleas and Humans - Do Cat Fleas Bite Humans?
Flea Bites on People Usually More Irritating Than Dangerous
Sep 10, 2009
"Do cat fleas bite humans?" is a question that's often asked, especially by cat owners. Cat fleas and humans sometimes live in close proximity, but unless a severe flea infestation is present, cat flea bites on people usually aren't that common.
Cat Fleas are the Most Common Flea Species in United States
It may come as a surprise to learn that the most common flea found in the US is the cat flea, or Ctenocephalides felis. This flea is also found on dogs. Interestingly, dog fleas, commonly found in Europe, are a different species, Ctenocephalides canis, although it's pretty hard to tell the difference between the two without a microscope.
Are Flea Bites on People Dangerous?
Fleas can carry plague, and a disease called murine typhus, but it's rare for cat fleas to transmit these diseases to humans. These parasites also carry tapeworms, so it's possible that a person could get tapeworms if he or she managed to swallow an infected flea, although the chances of this happening are pretty low.
For most folks, cat flea bites are usually more of a nuisance than a danger. Flea bites cause itching and skin irritation on both pets and people.
The itching is caused by an allergic reaction to flea saliva, which the flea injects when it bites to keep the blood flowing as it feeds. This allergic reaction can be severe, especially in children, whose immune systems aren't as well developed yet. The tip-off that a bite is from a flea is that a "halo" of red irritated skin encircles it.
Usually flea bites are seen as small, itchy red bumps, especially on the ankles. They're also found wherever clothing hugs the body, such as under waistbands and bra straps.
Get Rid of Fleas to Get Rid of Flea Bites on People
Feline flea control is the best way to prevent fleas from biting people. Since fleas usually don't bother people unless a flea infestation is present, quick and decisive action is necessary to rid a home of these pests.
Treat the cat with a spot-on flea product. These products are fast-acting and very effective at killing adult fleas on a pet.
At the same time, it's necessary to treat the environment, since flea eggs and larva will be hatching within a week or two, and will reinfest the area quickly. Setting off a flea bomb is drastic, but may be necessary.
Cover countertops and food preparation areas before setting off the flea bomb. Leave the home, being sure to take all pets with you, including birds. It may be necessary to use another flea bomb in a couple of weeks, to kill fleas that have just hatched.
A non-toxic flea control method is to have the carpets steam cleaned. This will kill fleas in any part of their life cycle.
Wash all bed bedding, along with any bedspreads and rugs the cat lies on, in hot soapy water. Vacuum the floors and upholstered furniture every day. Seal the bag and throw it away so that the fleas can't get out.
Fleas and humans really shouldn't be living together as close neighbors. Diligent flea control will prevent a flea infestation, thus preventing flea bites on people.
Sources:
Cat Fleas - University of Florida
Flea Bites - University of Iowa
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