I’m no stranger to the misery that fleas can bring into your life. These tiny, wingless parasites may be small, but they pack a punch when it comes to making you feel itchy and uncomfortable.
I’ve dealt with my fair share of flea infestations, and let me tell you, they’re every bit as annoying as dealing with bed bugs. Those little buggers will bite you, leaving behind itchy and sometimes painful marks as they feed on your blood and multiply.
Believe me, I know that when you’re in the middle of a flea infestation, you’re not only desperate to find ways to control their population but also curious about how long you’ll have to put up with those pesky flea bites.
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​How Long Do Flea Bites Last?
The duration of adult flea bites directly depends on the person being bitten. Usually, flea bites last only for 24 to 48 hours. In fact, most people don’t know that they just got bitten by fleas.
While fleas prefer getting their blood meal from non-human hosts such as dogs and cats, we are no exception.
A lot of people don’t realize that there are different types of fleas, like cat fleas and dog fleas. The cat flea is the most likely one to bite and cause hives or an allergic reaction.
Not all of us are lucky enough to overcome flea bites. There are those who are pretty sensitive to flea saliva, which is considered the main culprit to flea bite itching.
People who are very sensitive to flea saliva experience intense itching from flea bites. This rash develops into swollen welts that can last from one to two weeks.
Did You Know
Fleas are deaf and blind. On the other hand, fleas can accelerate 50 times faster than a space rocket as they jump and can continuously do so 30,000 times.
In worse cases, flea bites can cause allergic reactions ​and secondary infections. If you feel nauseated with swelling on your face, feel extreme pain around the bite mark, and have difficulty in breathing, it is strongly recommended to seek immediate medical attention.
What Do Flea Bites Look Like?
The video below shows ​what flea bites look like on humans.
​Prior to securing their blood meal from a human host, fleas inject their saliva to prevent blood from clotting. This numbs the bite area so their presence isn’t detected.
​When this happens, the human body’s natural reaction would be to release histamines as a natural defense mechanism. This chemical reaction with flea saliva causes a rash and itching.
Flea bites look like tiny red bumps that appear in clusters or in patterns. These bites look more like that of a mosquito, only smaller. Flea bites are usually closer with each other with a halo-like shape surrounding the bite mark.
​In cases where flea saliva triggers allergic reactions, bite marks develop into large welts. Continuous scratching due to extreme itchiness can lead to secondary infections wherein welts develop into blisters.
What Causes a Flea Bite?
When a flea is looking for a meal, it will jump onto a warm-blooded host, which could be you, your pet, or even a wild animal. Once the flea lands on its host, it uses its sharp mouthparts to pierce through the skin and start feeding on blood. Fleas have this unique saliva that contains an anticoagulant, which prevents the blood from clotting while they’re having their meal.
So, they can continue to feast until you realize they are there. But the question is, why do some people seem to get bitten more than others?
Fleas are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide. So, if you’re warm and breathing – you’re an attractive target which basically means that there’s no rhyme or reason for why some people get bit more than others.
How Can You Treat Flea Bites?
Your main concern should be the swelling and itching on the areas bitten. ​You need to take proper measures before you get tempted to scratch the bite marks until they become infected.
The first thing you can do to significantly reduce itching and prevent the bite area from swelling is to apply an ice pack over it. ​You can also use hydrocortisone topical cream to reduce itching if you happen to have one at home.
Another natural remedy for flea bites is aloe vera gel which is extracted directly from the plant itself. Aloe vera is well known as a natural skin moisturizer and its gel can effectively soothe the skin from itching. Hydrocortisone cream is another useful anti-itch cream that can help with the healing process.
Other remedies for flea bites are over-the-counter oral antihistamine medications such as Cetirizine, Allegra, and Claritin. You can also use calamine lotion to help you ease out on itchiness.
How Can You Avoid Flea Bites?
​The best way to avoid getting bitten is to get rid of fleas once and for all. Fleas are most likely to infiltrate one’s home through pets. If you happen to have a dog or a cat at home, you need to make sure that they are constantly checked and treated for fleas by a veterinarian.
If you are faced with flea infestation throughout your house, it is strongly advised to contact a seasoned exterminator for immediate and professional pest control. But there are also some easy and practical measures that can be taken before acquiring professional assistance.
​At the first sign of the presence of fleas inside your home, it is best to machine wash all clothing, bedding, carpets, and rugs. Vacuum-clean the entire house from the ground up using all necessary nozzle attachments for a more effective and extensive sweep.
You can buy household flea treatment from your local hardware store and apply it in areas of your home where you suspect the presence of fleas. If flea infestation is heavy, it is best to immediately seek professional assistance from a local exterminator.
How Do You Know If You Have a Flea Problem?
If you’re dealing with flea bites, there are a few things you’ll want to look out for. First, if you have any pets, you’ll want to pay attention to them. If they’re scratching more than usual, that’s a red flag.
Take a closer look at your pet’s fur and keep an eye out for tiny, dark specks that look like pepper. These could be flea droppings, which is basically flea feces composed of digested blood.
Another way to check for fleas is to wear white socks and walk around your house, especially in areas where your pets spend a lot of time. If fleas are present, they’ll jump onto your socks, and you’ll be able to spot them easily against the white background.
Flea bites look like tiny red bumps that appear in clusters or in patterns. These bites look more like that of a mosquito only smaller. Flea bites are usually closer with each other with a halo-like shape surrounding the bite mark.
Final Thoughts On Bites From Fleas
Compared to bed bug bites, flea bites develop a rash and itchiness a few hours or even days after you get bit. ​How the bite marks look and its pattern will help you determine whether or not you have a flea problem at home.
Although fleas don’t pose a direct and serious health threat to humans, their bites can be pretty annoying and frustrating. Regardless of your sensitivity to flea saliva, I recommend you ​avoid scratching the bite areas as much as possible (I know, easier said than done).
Certain remedies are available to ease itchiness but you’ll want to seek medical attention immediately if you think you’re having an allergic reaction.
Think you might need professional help with your flea problem? Use the form below to connect with local pest control pros:
