Why Fleas Prefer Our Pets Over Us
When you think of fleas, you probably associate them with your pet. Fleas generally live on dogs, cats, other warm-blooded animals and birds because their fur and feathers make it easy to hide and reproduce. Fleas are very small, wingless, brown-colored parasites that bite skin and suck blood to survive.
But fleas can also bite you. While they won’t live on your body, you can still experience potential side effects. A flea can jump up to 13 inches, so it’s possible a pet or other animal can transfer them to you.
Can dog fleas or cat fleas live on humans?
Fleas do not live on humans, but they can still bite us. In the United States, the most common fleas are cat fleas. These can live on both cats and dogs, so don’t let the name confuse you. There are also dog fleas, but they are less common in the U.S.
Fleas can live on other mammals and birds, such as rodents and livestock. There are 2,500 different types of fleas around the world.
Fleas are attracted to some animals because of their fur or feathers. They can burrow into these fluffy bodies to hide and feed. They then lay eggs that eventually hatch after the larva and pupa stages. This cycle can cause a flea infestation on your pet that will need to be treated.
Fleas do not live on humans because they lack substantial hair like animals, and it’s very difficult to reproduce without the protection of fur or feathers. One lab study observed that a flea would have to feed on a human for 12 straight hours to have the chance to lay viable eggs. It would be very rare for a flea to be able to feed on a human for that long without getting found and removed.
Can humans get fleas in their hair?
Fleas do not live on humans. They generally bite down at the feet, ankles, and legs by jumping from an infested pet or other animal, but it is most likely to be from an infested pet bed. Continue Reading:
Comments
Post a Comment