Several flea species are found in Greater Philadelphia. These include the cat flea, dog flea and human flea. Most people are shocked to find that there is a species known as the "human flea." How did it get its name?
It turns out that the human flea prefers to take its blood meals from a human host. Pigs also are preferred, but the human flea similarly feeds off of dogs, cats and a variety of other animals.
Unfortunately, the human flea is a dangerous vector for many grave illnesses. When their numbers are allowed to grow unchecked, the chances of people and pets developing potentially life-threatening diseases multiply.
Home and business owners who want to protect themselves and the people who visit their property are encouraged to call an exterminator to deal with human fleas.
WHAT DO HUMAN FLEAS LOOK LIKE?
Identifying the various flea species can be difficult because of the small size of these pests. Experts typically can render a decision after examining the flea's head. For instance, cat fleas and dog fleas have thick, dark bristles on their heads called combs, but the human flea lacks this feature. Human fleas are similar in size to cat fleas, with an average length of 2.5 millimeters being common. This particular species tends to have larger eyes and a short head. Wingless parasites with slim, flat bodies, the human flea typically is reddish-brown. Its body is covered in microscopic hairs to help it cling to its host.
WHERE DO HUMAN FLEAS LIVE?
Human fleas prefer to live in close proximity to pigs and humans, which are its preferred hosts. This may mean that the fleas are found living on dogs and cats because these animals also can be hosts. Before finding a host, a newly emerged human flea will makes its way to the upper portions of vegetation, plants, furniture, curtains and carpets to enhance their chances of obtaining a host. Human fleas are capable of detecting the warmth and carbon dioxide emissions of a person, and they will jump as far as one foot to attach themselves. In addition to being found in rugs, carpets, draperies and furniture, human fleas also may be encountered in pet beds or in beds that people share with pets.
WHAT DO HUMAN FLEAS EAT?
Human fleas really only need blood to survive. Although they prefer hosts such as people and pigs, they will routinely use dogs and cats as hosts. These pests are equipped with specialized mouthparts that allow them to easily pierce the host's skin to locate blood vessels. These mouthparts consist of three needle-like components. Two of these pierce the host's skin and cut it to the depth of the blood vessels. The wound is pried open and the third needle is used to suck blood from the vessel. Simultaneously, the flea injects an anticoagulant into the host's body to prevent clotting and keep the blood flowing.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY HUMAN FLEAS
Fleas are not known to cause any property damage, but they do make people decidedly uncomfortable. No one wants to see their family covered in itchy flea bites, and many people will not rest easy until they know that a professional Feasterville exterminator has eliminated the problem.
ARE HUMAN FLEAS AGGRESSIVE?
Because these and other fleas will try to remain attached to a host for as long as possible, it is easy to view these pests as being inordinately aggressive. The fact that their primary source of food is blood does little to dispel this perspective. In fact, fleas have several physical adaptations that make it easy for them to remain hidden on domesticated animals. One of these is their small size. In addition, human fleas use their specially designed legs and flat shape to quickly and easily navigate through dense hair or fur. Human fleas tend not to "live" on people, but they will hide and feed on pets for as long as they are allowed. Moreover, with the potential for prolific reproduction, the problem soon gets out of hand.
DO HUMAN FLEAS CARRY DISEASE?
Science demonstrates that there are many reasons to fear infestations of human fleas. These pests are known vectors for several illnesses. One of these is plague. Rural areas are more likely to experience plague outbreaks with symptoms including chills, headache, fever, weakness and painful, swollen lymph nodes. Unless medical attention is promptly received, the patient may develop serious complications or die.
Human fleas also may carry flea-borne, or murine, typhus. People get this disease through contact with infected fleas. The symptoms of the illness may begin about two weeks after being bitten. Coughing, vomiting, stomach pain, rash, loss of appetite, body aches, fever and chills are some symptoms. Once again, untreated cases of flea-borne typhus can lead to complications or death.
Catch scratch disease also is sometimes spread by human fleas. If someone develops a pustule at the site of a cat scratch and experiences symptoms such as tender, enlarged lymph nodes and a fever, then they may have contracted this illness.
If a person or pet accidentally swallows an infected flea, then they may develop a tapeworm. Small children are most susceptible to this issue because they spend so much more time on the floor. Fortunately, treatments are readily available for tapeworm in people and pets.
HOW TO DETECT HUMAN FLEAS
Signs of a flea infestation include:
• Many bites around people feet, ankles and shins • Pets scratch without stopping • Tiny black dots that are flea dirt, or feces, found on beds, furniture and carpets • Sudden hair loss on pets • Put on gloves and run hands through carpets to find flea eggs
HOW TO PREVENT FLEAS
To help protect against flea issues the following precautions should be taken:
• Sweep or vacuum all floors frequently • Regularly vacuum upholstered furniture • Empty the vacuum cleaner's canister or bag in an outdoor garbage can after each use • Routinely wash curtains, drapes and bedding • Ensure that pet bedding is frequently washed • Regularly treat pets for fleas
HOW TO TREAT FOR FLEAS
Moderate to severe flea infestations can prove difficult to eradicate. As such, having the home or business professionally treated may be the best way to remove fleas. Typically a pest control provider will apply both an interior and exterior treatment, utilizing products designed for immediate eradication as well as residual protection against reinfestation.
