Flea and Pets

Frequently Asked Questions about Tick and Flea Treatments

July 21, 2019 By admin

Many people have questions about tick and flea treatments. Most of the damages by these parasites are from the adult fleas. However, they are only 5% of them in existence while 95% is made up larvae, eggs and pupae. They are inside floor cracks, carpets, furniture, and any other hidden areas in that environment. So, let’s look at some frequently asked questions about tick and flea treatment!

Why should all pets be treated including uninfected ones?

It is important to treat every pet in the environment because they are all susceptible to flea infestation. One flea is enough to wreak havoc on a household and they can jump from one animal to the other if they get dislodged. Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions about flea and tick treatment.

Can I Use the Same Flea and Tick Treatment for Cats and Dogs?

No, the physiology and size of the animal is taken into consideration when flea products are made. Cats vary proportionately from dogs in size. Cat flea products are made specifically for cats. The confusion comes from the fact that cat fleas also infest dogs also. Cats respond more to flea products than dogs and it can be easily harmful to them. When cat flea products are mixed with dog flea products, it can lead to non-medicinal poisoning for any animal involved.

NOTE: If you administer a product that contains permethrin to your dog, keep the dog away from your cat until the solution dries completely.

Is Topical Flea Treatment No Longer Effective?

If you have tried every tropical treatment available and you observe little or no changes in your pets; it could be due to the following reasons,

Your pet’s skin, Untreated flea infestation and, Application method

Pet’s skin health: before you apply any flea and tick treatment on your pet’s skin, make sure that his or her skin is totally free from blemish, hair should be full and lustrous otherwise the solution cannot pass through a thick and dry skin; thereby preventing your solution from working. You can add foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids to your pet’s diet to ensure that their skins remain healthy.

Untreated flea infestation: no flea treatment will work without full extermination of adult fleas, eggs, larvae and pupae in the home and surroundings. Be sure to treat all the pets in your home regardless of their infestation status. Try to reduce the number of times you allow your pets to roam outside, because they can come in contact with infested wildlife and pets.

Application: when you want to administer a product, ensure that you make use of an applicator not your bare hands. Let it touch the skin of the animal not just the hair. While applying the product make sure that your fingers are not touching it in any way so as not to reduce the dosage.

If you want to treat cats, avoid its shoulder blades because it will lick it off rather apply the solution to the base of its skull. Treating your pets with appropriate flea and tick treatments assures your home remains infestation free.

Why Are There So Many Flea Treatments That Can Kill Fleas?

Each product is categorized specially according to the seriousness of the infestation. Most pet owners choose monthly oral treatments because they are easy and convenient to administer. Some of such products include Frontline Plus Flea5X Plus for Cats and frontline plus Advantage II.

If the flea and tick treatment preventive methods prove abortive, there are other things you can use to check the activities of fleas such as Sprays, powders and foggers. These chemicals can get rid of every adult flea in the area.

Other products which are suitable for geriatric, anemic pets grooming, and prevention of fleas are shampoos and flea combs. They can be used for kittens and puppies with immature nervous systems.

Can Two Flea Treatments be Used at Once?

Flea and tick treatment products are pesticides made with chemicals and any no animal or human remains fully healthy if they are constantly exposed to chemicals. Two products should only be combined when it is absolutely necessary.

Flea Life Cycle

June 21, 2019 By admin

During the flea life cycle the flea goes through four stages of growth which are;

Egg stage
Larvae stage
Pupae stage
Adult stage

This is complete metamorphosis, and the length of each stage largely depends on the temperature and humidity of its environment. It can range from two days to three months.

EGGS

Female fleas need a blood meal before they are able to lay their eggs. They lay at least four eggs after each feeding usually close to the end of the female’s lifespan. It takes approximately ten days for the eggs to hatch. During this stage in the flea life cycle since they do not stick together, they fall freely to the floor and hatch into larvae.

LARVAE

When the egg hatches to larvae during the flea life cycle, it quickly crawls away into shaded locations like underneath furniture, pet beddings, rugs and floorboard cracks. Their development depends on how favorable their environment is, if it is a good one, they can grow to five millimeters, although eyes and legs are absent, they get around by crawling. Their worm-like bodies become darker with time as they continue to feed on the feces of the fully developed adult, dead skin cells, dead insect feathers and other organic matter. At this stage they do not feed on fresh blood.

However, they will die off in an environment with a relative humidity of 40% because they do not thrive in a dry environment. It is completed within four to eighteen days.

PUPAE STAGE

The larvae flea life cycle stage elapses once it has successfully built a cocoon to serve as a protection for the pupae and adult stages. This can last as long as one year or until conditions are good enough for the adult to emerge.

ADULT STAGE

The adult flea emerges once there is an increase in carbon dioxide around its surrounding indicating the presence of a host. This is because they need fresh blood immediately, they break out from their protective cocoon.

FLEA SIGHTINGS

At the egg stage of the flea life cycle, they are difficult to spot due to the fact that they are very tiny. Since larvae and pupae are virtually inactive people cannot see them, they are most likely to identify only the adults due to their feeding habit and other activities.

Adults require food immediately when they emerge, so homeowners spot them easily after they come back home and are attacked by new, hungry fleas. Fleas can also be seen clearly on the bodies of infested pets; some drop off when they are being groomed. The parasites can be seen floating around on their bathwater.

INDICATIONS OF FLEA BITES ON PETS AND HUMANS

Animals begin to itch and scratch excessively.
Flea bites leave the skin red and swollen.
Adult flea droppings on the pet’s fur.
Hair of infested pets falling out.
Adult fleas spotted on pet and human sleeping areas or on the rugs.

PROPERTY OWNERS CONCERNS ABOUT FLEAS

People are usually worried about the constant skin irritation, their health because flea bites can transmit diseases even to pets. If there is a flea infestation around the house always and the pets are clean of fleas then it is time to exterminate rodents as they serve as hosts also.

These are some diseases that can be transmitted through flea bites;

Murine typhus
Bartonellosis
Flea tapeworm
Secondary bacterial infection

Pets suffer from the following animal diseases transmitted through flea bites;

Dipetalonemareconditum
Acanthocheilonemalreconditum
Typhus
Flea tapeworm
Rickettsia felis
Bartonellosis

Top three places where you can easily find fleas

May 30, 2019 By admin

Some wonder where fleas can easily be found. In this article we will go over the top three places where you can easily find fleas. Fleas are dangerous parasites that live on the neck, back, and the underside areas of dogs, cats and another pets, with their eggs, pupae and larvae developing outside their host.

But the question usually is, where do these fleas live before preying on their host?

Doghouse

One of the top three places you can easily find fleas is right in your backyard. Check out your doghouse, fleas might be the most regular visitor to your doghouse. Ensure you doghouse is treated and cleaned regularly.

Top Three Places Where You Can Easily Find Fleas

Your House

Another of the top three places you can find fleas is in your house. In most cases the fleas you find in the house are either in the larval or egg stages. It is important that you ensure they do not go beyond this stage. Change the bedding of your pets regularly, clean and vacuum your house properly, and also dispose of your vacuum bags.

The Yard

The third place you can easily find fleas is the yard. Fleas can live in different climates, although they usually prefer humid, shady and moist areas. You can easily find fleas on tall grasses or wood piles. Always ensure you make use of a yard spray to kill ticks and fleas outside of your home and in your gardens.

The eggs and larvae are the initial stages in the life of a flea, it is important that fleas are terminated at these stages, if they are not, they could progress to the pupae stage. There are signals like pressure, carbon dioxide and vibrations that allow a pupa to know it is the right time to morph into an adult as an adult might be near.

You can protect your pets from parasites with the help of shampoos, topical drops, collar and carpet powders, not forgetting yard sprays and full room foggers. Solving the whole problem is important to having an environment free of pest. Also remember to make use of only one pet product at a time. Also ensure you consult a vet if your pet is old, pregnant or nursing before you make use of a flea product.

Do I have fleas?

May 27, 2019 By admin

Do I have fleas? One flea can multiply to millions in a matter of weeks, so if you assume that it’s still not much around your home, then you are making a huge mistake because you, your family and pets will continue to suffer from bites, daily.

Fleas

Fleas are parasitic insects that grow to 1-3 inch, tinier than the tip of a ball pen. Their colors range from black to reddish brown and they move by jumping with strong hind legs. Their bodies are flat and thin, covered with tiny microscopic hair which makes it easy for them to burrow into animal fur.

How does a flea bite appear?

Their bites are rather unique in appearance, if you know what you’re looking for, you will spot it with no stress. The common places on the human body to search are the lower legs, groin, armpits, waist, knees, elbows and back.

The affected spot becomes red in a matter of minutes after the bite, unlike other insect bites, it has a dark center.

The bump is in clusters of 3’s and four’s in the same area.

Signs of a bite

The first thing a person who was bitten will notice is the itchiness. Then the skin around that area becomes sore and irritated due to scratching.

This is where treatment is important, if you leave the spot untreated, you might be moved to scratch the itch excessively, open it up and it will be infected by harmful bacteria

Can flea bites lead to other health issues?

Rush your pet to a veterinarian to be sure no disease was transmitted in the infestation.

YES. They can transmit diseases through their bites to human and pets although the chance of fleas infecting your pet is higher.

How will I know if I have fleas in my house?

The common species – cat and dog fleas – choose animals as hosts. So, if you have pets, check them first for an infestation.

Your carpet and pet bedding will probably have dislodged adults hiding inside. Walk on your carpet and rugs with white socks, the tiny parasites are likely to be stuck underneath.

Can I get a flea infestation even if I do not have pets?

Fleas are not picky eaters; they are desperate little bugs that will jump on any mammal to survive. This means that they can hitch a ride on rodents, wild animals in your environment and even your neighbor’s pet.

Another important thing to remember is that they prefer shady hidden areas, so if you have tall grasses around you, they could be hidden right there.

If you do all these and still experience bites daily, then consult a doctor and a professional exterminator to evaluate the situation.

How do I treat flea bites?

Some bites will go away without treatment if you can endure the itching. If you cannot, there are over the counter medications available, the antihistamines and anti-itch creams usually soothe the itch.

However, the bites will not stop if you do not treat home and pets.

There are several pesticides you can administer but the most reasonable decision would be to leave the job to a professional. Depending on the level of infestation, you might need to vacate your home for a few days, the chemical used for treatment may be toxic.

Exterminate fleas for good

Flea collars are efficient in repelling them on pets and if you notice an infestation, take your pet to the vet for treatment, it may have been infected with other diseases. Don’t bring your pet back home until you completely rid your home of these pests or you will risk a re-infestation.

Do Fleas Reproduce While Feeding on Human Blood?

May 12, 2019 By admin

Do fleas reproduce while feeding on human blood? Normally, Ctenocephalides felis does not feed on human blood and are known parasites of dogs and cat sometimes rodents. Cat fleas will jump on people when they need a host or if they are not getting enough blood.

However, female cat fleas will not be able to reproduce on humans if they do not take a blood meal for hours. This was something that was put to test in a lab setting and not elsewhere.

Every flea species has a preferred host. Once they deviate from their choice host, it becomes extremely difficult for them to reproduce or for the females to be fertile.

Can fleas live on human blood?

C. felis that has been given no other choice but to feed on humans can survive on that new diet. They are only able to survive for a maximum 185 days. Also, they need to feed for fifteen minutes every day. If a male feeds for a stretch of ten minutes on a human each day, they will live for seventeen days. A female will live for thirty days.

According to a study, fleas can subsist on human blood for over two months and if it is C.felis they will live longer if dog or cat hair is also in their environment.

How fleas reproduce on human blood

If cat fleas can feed on human blood for fifteen minutes for twelve consecutive days, female fleas can get fertile and lay eggs. Female C. canis will be fertile enough after twelve hours of taking blood from people.

Due to the fact that it is harder for fleas to reproduce on human blood, the number of eggs they can lay is exponentially less. Female cat fleas lay maximum of thirty eggs each day on animal blood but it is exponentially reduced to four eggs after three days on human blood.

Fleas and humans co-existing in an environment

In the end, cat fleas feed on human blood but they do not stay stuck on them as they would attach to animals, rather they feed for few minutes and drop off.

Every flea is adapt to survive in a furry animal and less on a smooth haired human, they have microscopic hairs covering their whole bodies.

People only experience flea bites when they have pets infested with fleas and when fleas break out from their protective cocoons, they attack any mammal available before dropping off in search of a more suitable host.

Cat Allergic Reactions to Flea Saliva

May 12, 2019 By admin

What are cat allergic reactions to flea saliva? In felines, there are four known sources of allergic reactions, they are; inhalant, food, contact and Fleas. If the cat is allergic to a substance, her immune system will overreact to alien substances or compounds known as antigens or allergens.

What does flea allergy mean?

Every person and animal can experience small itching sensations when bitten by a flea. However, cat allergic reactions to flea saliva can be extreme. This is due to the effects of the flea saliva on the cats’ skin. Further, when fleas feed on the cats, they leave behind deposits of saliva. One flea bite is enough to cause severe itching.

How does the allergy affect a cat?

Cats respond to the urge to scratch by constantly chewing or licking the affected spot. This relentless scratching definitely leads to open sores and scabs on the skin and loss of fur which opens the door to another bacterial infection. The parts likely to be affected are the tail and rump because fleas chose to stay on those areas where the animal cannot reach easily to dislodge them.

Proffered treatments for FAD

Several products are designed to tackle the spread of fleas and in extreme cases; you may need to apply more than one. However, these products effectively control fleas strictly as long as they are applied religiously and consistently. Some of them can be applied directly on your cat others are for its environment.

Steroids or Cortisones commonly recognized as corticosteroids can be administered to the infested cat, they are mostly resistant to the numerous side effects of steroids. It offers immediate relief from the allergic reactions from flea saliva. This solution might not augur well with all cats, others respond better to oral medications and long-term injections.

At the same time, to avoid any chances of your cat reacting badly to steroids, it is advisable to administer in small doses and just enough to give the cat a much-needed comfort.

Another method is introducing the small amounts of flea saliva extract to your cat’s body over an extended period. This is so the cat’s immune system can acclimatize to flea saliva with little or no reactions to it in the future.

If the allergies are not brought by flea saliva, these are possible reasons for the itching;

Harvest mites
Food intolerance
Bacterial infections on the skin
Insect bites
Ear mites
Atopy (Pollen and House dust allergy)

Identification of Fleas

May 12, 2019 By admin

Identification of fleas is important to help know what treatment methods to use.

They are known by their Latin name: Ctenocephalides Felis in the order of Siphonaptera.

Fleas Appearance

To start with proper identification of fleas let’s look at their appearance. These tiny parasitic insects appear reddish brown in color, and they grow to about 2.5mm. Their entire bodies are covered with compressed hair which helps them to burrow through their hosts fur, it can be seen with the aid of microscope.

Movement of Fleas

Fleas can jump seven inches into the air with their specialized limbs. Although they are wingless, fleas have strong hind legs with spring-like joints. This allows fleas to travel further.

How Flea Infestation Begins

Parasites need a host to survive. In order to do this, they attach themselves to any animal available. Fleas choose dogs and cats as host animals especially when they roam outside the house. Fully grown fleas looking for a fresh blood meal will jump on them; they will carry these insects into homes and begin the infestation. Once a flea enters a household, it is very difficult to get rid of especially when the species is not really clear. However, those with pets are not the only ones vulnerable to an infestation, any house overrun with rodents is likely to become infested too.

Fleas Search for a Host to Feed On

Adult fleas emerging from its protective pupae needs a fresh blood meal to survive and so will attack anybody or animal in sight. They will come out when they sense the presence of a mammal through an increase in carbon dioxide content in the air.

Another time a flea searches for a host to subsist on is when its off its original host and into furniture or bedding. Markedly, Fleas which sense that its rodent host is about to be removed from a household once it is trapped will leave it in search of another. The flea can possibly end up attaching themselves to the homeowner’s pets.

How Dangerous are Fleas?

In a statement by CDC, several diseases are transmitted through flea bites and the number has increased between 2004 and 2016. The bites are usually very itchy and painful more so for people who are allergic to the flea saliva and bites.

Fleas are tiny and almost not visible to the naked eyes, they also reproduce at a fast rate which makes it extremely difficult to get rid of them when they infest a house.

Signs of a Flea Ridden House

Fecal matter: Fleas tend to leave dirt whenever they infest a home such as their feces which appear like ground black pepper. It can be seen in carpets, mattresses, cushions and rugs.
Flea eggs: the only stage that can be seen easily around are the adult fleas, egg, larvae and pupae do not require a blood meal to survive so they remain at their hidden spots until adult stage. They are spread throughout the house when they fall off the adult’s bodies.
Animals scratching: when pets are flea infested, they respond to the numerous bites by scratching themselves frequently especially when they lie on their sleeping areas.
Bites on people: parasites that get dislodged from their host’s bodies and end up on carpets and mattresses where they bite humans in search of hosts and a blood meal. People experience frequent bites if a house is infested.

Feeding

At the larvae stage, all it needs to survive are debris, adult flea fecal matter and dirt. Pupae stays enclosed in a cocoon and does not feed.

They normally prefer to make various animals its host like mice, squirrel, cats, dogs, wild animals, rats, domestic animals etc.

Reproduction

Female fleas reproduce after taking fresh blood from their host. They lay eggs which fall off into cracks in the flooring, carpets, rugs, furniture, pet bedding even on bare ground. The laid eggs will hatch in two days.

How to Exterminate Fleas and Prevent Them from Infesting a Home

The easiest yet effective way to prevent flea infestation is by cleaning out the environment, getting rid of every flea habitat outdoors with the use of pesticides that can kill fleas. A professional should be contacted to handle the infestation.

Every hole and crack in a home should be sealed completely to prevent rodents that might be flea infested from entering the house. Pets should be groomed properly also to get rid of any parasite in its body.

Fleas carry diseases that they transmit to their hosts after feeding, various diseases like Murine typhus, cat scratch disease and bacterial infections.

Difference Between Dog Fleas and Cat Fleas?

May 12, 2019 By admin

Although dog and cat fleas are of different species, they can only be told apart with the use of a microscope.

Cat fleas known scientifically as ctenocephalides felis can harm humans, dogs and some other animals alike, they are not restricted to cats alone as the name suggests. Actually, most of the flea issues in North America are as a result of the activities of these species as majority of pets are found to suffer from cat flea infestation. Dog fleas or ctenocephalides canis are rarely seen in North America but they are very common in Europe

If you or your pet exhibits the following symptoms, it probably means that you’re suffering from flea infestation. They are; redness of the skin, extreme itching, secondary infections. In severe cases your pet might begin to suffer from flea allergy dermatitis. You may be wondering what the difference is between dog fleas and cat fleas.

However, if you want to get rid of fleas completely, contact a pest control expert to find out the best solution to exterminate them from your home and environment, but in the meantime talk to your veterinarian to get the best treatment options available for your pet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fleas

May 6, 2019 By admin

Fleas are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of animals and humans. There are a lot of frequently asked questions about fleas which we will address. Some of these wingless parasite species attach themselves to hosts for their entire lifespan. They appear flat, blackish and 1/8 inch long although it is rare to spot one as they are known to found mostly in hidden areas.

Fleas reproduce at a high rate and once they find a suitable host and a fresh blood meal, the females will lay eggs that will fall off the hosts bodies into carpets and cracks in the floor, unseen and out of sight. In a matter of days under favorable conditions, a flea free home becomes completely infested.

One of the common species known to attack pets is Ctenocephalides felis – Cat fleas. They choose dogs and cats as host animals rarely people. In order to effectively prevent flea infestation, reduce the amount of time that your pet spends outside and use vet recommended products to clean out the surrounding and exterminate any flea around.

Can cat fleas attach to dogs also?

Answer: Yes, Cat fleas despite their specific names can attack dogs too among other mammals such as guinea pigs, ferrets, rabbits and pigs.

Are cat fleas resistant to flea products?

Answer: Yes, there is no question fleas are common and are fast becoming resistant to many products but making use of several types of cat flea pesticides can reduce the rate of their resistance.

Are wild animals susceptible to cat fleas?

Answer: Yes, in the absence of cats and dogs’ fleas can attack any available animal including animals so long as there is a fresh blood meal. If any of these infested animals come close to your surrounding hey can deposit cat flea eggs and begin an infestation.

Do fleas jump from one host to another?

Answer: No, Fleas choose a suitable host and feed off it for its entire lifespan, the females even reproduce while on a host also. The eggs will fall off but the adult remains put so long as the conditions remain favorable.

What is flea dirt?

Answer: Flea dirt is flea excrement. It is shaped like a comma and they are excreted on the skin mostly by female fleas that consume far more blood than her body weight (fifteen times)

How does a flea pierce its hosts’ skin and feed?

Answer: Fleas posses specialized mouthparts which allows the insects to pierce and break through their hosts skin. First, it transfers saliva and somewhat digested blood into the open skin then it sucks blood. This process is the reason why diseases get transmitted through a flea bite.

Can flea infestation lead to a pets’ death?

Answer: Yes, especially where the population is high. Their feeding habit has caused the death of calves, goats, lambs, kittens and puppies.

How long does it take for a flea to get satisfied?

Answer: Most species including cat fleas will begin to feed on the animal five minutes after attaching to it and they take at least an hour to be completely satisfied.

How fast does a flea reproduce and lay eggs?

Answer: a female flea cannot lay its eggs unless it gets a fresh blood meal, after feeding, it will take another twenty-four hours for it to lay eggs. A flea will lay up to forty eggs each day according to its body weight or more because feeding make its weight increase fifteen times.

How long does it take for fleas eggs to hatch?

Answer: Under favorable conditions of humidity 70% and temperature 95°F, all the eggs will hatch in less than two days. If temperature drops to 55°F the eggs will hatch after six days.

How long can flea egg survive without a host?

Answer: This is an excellent and also frequently asked question about fleas. If the environment suits the parasite in humidity after hatching, sixty percent will survive for sixty days without a host and if the surrounding is too dry, less than 10% will survive without a host.

How fast is flea metamorphosis?

Answer: a flea goes through complete metamorphosis and it takes approximately three weeks to develop into an adult if the environmental condition is suitable.

How many weeks will it take a single flea to reproduce to millions

Answer: A flea lays approximately a thousand eggs before it dies so in six weeks it will multiply to a million or more.

Can fleas survive winter?

Answer: Fleas cannot survive in extreme weather conditions, but they are still found in the far cold north where the temperature is colder than 37°F. This is because the parasites attach themselves to any animal around in order to maintain some warmth.

Why do fleas find animals more preferable to humans

Answer: fleas thrive in dark and shady areas so naturally they prefer hosts with more hair to burrow into. They try to hide from sight and light ad will dash out of the way into hiding if they are seen. They are extremely difficult to find.

Do fleas have a favorite spot in animals

Answers: This is a frequently asked question on fleas and the answer is Yes! They are usually found clustered around a pet’s extreme end where the animal cannot reach to pull them off easily. They also live on pet’s stomach or along their spine. The infestation on a dog begins on its tail.

Is everyone faced with a flea problem?

Answer: Yes, fleas are found everywhere in the world are they can infest any home or environment easily especially those overrun with rodents and homes with pets. It only takes one infested animal to bring in one parasite to begin the infestation.

Another thing is that it takes an awfully long time to get rid of them, a Vet doctor spent three months trying to exterminate fleas from an apartment in Chicago, it forced him to become a Vet dermatologist also seeing all the problems he encountered with flea bites. He devotes his time to helping others suffering from flea issues.

In the North, there is no respite from fleas as they survive from the cold by hiding in barns, heated garages, wild life, hay bales, pets and rodents.

Can fleas transmit diseases through bites?

Answer: Yes, Flea bites are dangerous when the insect is a disease carrier. When a pet eats diseased flea, it opens whatever disease it’s carrying such as Typhus, Bartonellosis, Dipylidium caninum. If you notice tan, rice-like tapeworm segments in your pet’s excrement, they are infected and any human that comes in contact with it become affected also.

Now that you have some answers to frequently asked questions about fleas you can make the best choice for your needs!

What are Flea Bites?

February 17, 2019 By admin

These are parasitic insects mostly known to attack dogs and cats. They jump to other mammals present when their chosen host no longer has sufficient amount of blood. Two of the most common species are ctenocephalides felis and ctenocephalides canis, cat and dog fleas respectively. They are found in the order Siphonaptera.

Although wingless, fleas are not restricted in movement because they posses strong hind legs. They can leap seven times into the air and on their hosts.

A female flea requires a fresh blood meal before it can lay eggs, once it has access to a blood meal it will lay eggs on areas hidden from sight such as beneath the furniture, carpets, bedding and rugs. They stay in those parts and develop into larvae, pupae and adult. Actually the only stage that feed on blood is the adult which has a fully developed piercing mouth part, flea larvae survives on debris leftover by an adult flea or its feces. They can also feed on dirt and other organic matter.

Pupae, on the other hand remains enclosed in a cocoon and can survive for several days without food under severe environmental conditions. Adults will only emerge from their protective cocoon when they sense the presence of a mammal usually through an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. Flea infested Homeowners who have been absent for a while will be attacked by hungry “new-born” flea seeking food.

Flea bite marks on humans

Fleas are known to infest floors and carpets so most flea bites are noticed on the lower legs and feet. Sometimes, when a mattress is infested bite marks are seen on people’s back. The bites are small, round and angry red papules, arranged in groups of three.

Frequent flea bites left untreated and uncontrolled usually induce a condition known as Papular urticaria. It is a hypersensitive disorder that can develop into recurrent itchy papules on those affected areas. They are hot to the touch and extremely itchy. If the person begins to scratch that itch constantly especially without treatment of any kind, a secondary infection will develop on that spot. Signs that indicate secondary infection;

Puss excretion
Swelling
Bite spots are extremely painful
It appears a deep dark red in color

Some people are allergic to flea saliva and bites, consequently they exhibit respiratory issues. It is more common with patients who are allergic to cat and dog hair.

Flea bite treatment

First, wash the area with an antiseptic soap. This should keep it clean and reduce the chances of a secondary infection.
Place an ice pack over the bite mark. It will soothe the itching and prevent further swelling.
Apply an anesthetic cream.

One of the most effective ways to reduce the urge to scratch is by taking topical antihistamines. When they are administered alongside a tepid bath (hot baths should be avoided) they will relieve the itch and stop allergic reactions.

However, antihistamines should never be taken without consultation with a doctor to find out if your body might react badly to the drugs.