Fleas can usually drive your pets crazy, but they can be a problem for you, too.
These tiny, wingless bugs are parasites, which means they feed on other animals. They have strong claws for gripping, long back legs for jumping, and sharp mouthparts for biting. There are many different kinds of fleas. Some prefer dogs, whereas others are partial to cats. But if they’re hungry, most fleas will feed on any warm-blooded animal, and even you.
Fleabite Symptoms
What do fleabites look like?
Fleabites are small, raised pink or red spots. You might notice a ring around each bump. They usually come in groups of three. They might form a straight line.
Most people are allergic to fleas’ saliva. If you’re one of them, your flea bites might be large, swollen, and very itchy.
Fleas live near the ground, so they’re most likely to bite your feet, ankles, and calves. Unless you’re sitting or lying down, it’s uncommon for them to bite above the knee.
Are fleabites itchy?
Fleabites are usually itchy. This is because of an allergic reaction to the fleas’ saliva.
Try not to scratch bites. You might accidentally open a small cut in the skin. Flea-borne bacteria can get into the cut and cause an infection.
Fleabites vs. bedbug bites
Both fleas and bedbugs suck blood, and they leave similar bites. But there are some important differences:
- Both bites can form straight lines. But fleabites can also form clusters, and bedbug bites can form zigzags.
- Bedbugs bite at night.
- Fleas tend to bite your calves, ankles, and feet. But bedbugs bite all over.
Fleabites vs. mosquito bites
Like bedbugs and fleas, mosquitos also feed on blood and can leave behind itchy bites. In addition, both bites cause a small bump. Here are some key differences:
- Mosquito bites swell more than fleabites.
- You might be able to see a tiny dark bite mark in the center of a mosquito bite. On the other hand, fleabites sometimes have a ring around them.
- Fleas tend to bite in groups, either in a straight line or cluster.
- Fleas usually bite the calves, ankles, or feet.
Can fleabites make you sick?
Most of the time, fleabites are irritating but not serious. The bite itself doesn’t do much harm.
But some types of fleas can carry disease. They might spread plague, typhus, cat scratch disease, and parasites, such as tapeworms. Depending on the type of germ, people and animals can get sick if they swallow an infected flea, get flea poop on a cut (often when scratching an itchy bite), breathe in flea poop, or get scratched or bitten by an infected animal.
Watch out for signs of infection such as:
- Rash
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Weight loss
- Dizziness
- Weakness
If you have a fleabite and notice any of these things, call your doctor right away.
Allergic Reaction to Fleabites
Many people have an allergy to fleabites. This doesn’t mean you’re allergic to the flea itself. Instead, it means that you’re allergic to the flea’s saliva.
When a flea bites you, they use their strong claws to grip your skin. Then, they insert their proboscis (a needle-like part of their mouth) into your skin. They use this mouthpart to suck your blood. While they suck, saliva gets into your bloodstream.
If you have a fleabite allergy, your body thinks that the flea saliva is a dangerous intruder. To protect you, it will launch an immune response. The immune system releases a chemical called histamine, which makes the fleabite swell and itch.
A fleabite allergy can cause:
- Rash (itchy skin, sometimes with a ring around the bite)
- Hives
- Swelling
- Trouble breathing
Antihistamines can calm down the immune reaction, soothing the itchiness.
How to Treat Fleabites on Humans
Most fleabites are annoying but not serious. They usually don’t need any medical treatment. But anti-itch creams or ointments and antihistamines can help ease the itchiness.
But call your doctor if you get more severe symptoms, including:
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
How to get fleabites to stop itching
Fleabites can get very itchy. This is because of an allergic reaction to their saliva.
The most important thing is to avoid scratching the bite. You might accidentally break your skin, causing a cut that can get infected. If you scratch too hard and break the skin, clean the area with soap and water. Then put on a bandage and keep an eye out for signs of infection.
Here are some things that might help with the itching:
Antihistamines. Histamine is a chemical made in your body. When you have an immune reaction, it causes the affected area to swell and itch. One common antihistamine is diphenhydramine (Benadryl). You can take an antihistamine in pill form, or apply it as a skin cream or ointment.
Hydrocortisone. This medication contains a steroid and an anesthetic pain reliever. It comes as a cream or ointment.
Ice. Putting an ice pack or cold compress on the flea bite will slow the blood flow to that area. This will help with itchiness, inflammation, pain, and swelling. Wrap the ice pack in a towel and put it on the flea bite for at least 10 minutes.
Honey. This natural sweetener contains catalase, a protein that can calm mild inflammation. Dab some unprocessed honey on your fleabite and cover the area with a bandage.
Aloe vera. This plant’s spiky leaves contain a soothing gel. The gel is rich in salicylic acid, which can lower pain and itchiness. Put a small amount of gel on your bite.
Chamomile tea. The chamomile flowers in this herbal tea contain terpenoids and flavonoids. These are natural substances that act as antioxidants and antihistamines. Put a tea bag in water and let it steep. After 20 minutes, take it out and squeeze out the extra water. (You can drink the steeped tea or get rid of it.) Then, put it on your bite for 10 minutes. When you’re done, dry the area with a clean towel. You can store the tea bag in a container in your refrigerator to reuse later in the day.
Oatmeal. This yummy breakfast doubles as a skin cream with anti-itch powers. Use a blender or food processor to grind the dry flakes into powder. Then, mix it with a little warm water to make a sticky paste. Put the paste on your flea bite and let it sit for 10 minutes. Afterward, dry off with a clean towel.
Talk to your doctor before trying any new medication or home remedy.
How long do fleabites last?
Most fleabites get better in a few days.
Fleabites on kids
Children might be at higher risk for fleabites because they spend a lot of time on the floor. Fleas live near the ground and often bite lower extremities, such as legs, ankles, and feet. In rare cases, this can cause children to get tapeworm or other flea-borne parasites.
Like in adults, fleabites on children can be small, itchy bumps or blisters. Sometimes, they might be red, swollen, or painful. But they affect every child differently.
Fleabites can look a lot like several other conditions, including poison ivy. Talk to your child’s doctor about any unusual rash. They can help you figure out what it is and how to treat it.
You should also call if your child has:
- Hives
- Worsening itch or pain
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Signs of infection, such as the bite feeling warm or leaking fluid
Some bug bites, especially from bees, wasps, yellow jackets, and fire ants, can cause severe allergic reactions. Call 911 if your child has:
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking
- Cough or hoarseness
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Difficulty waking up
If your child gets a fleabite, wash the area with soap and water. Keep their nails short so they don’t scratch, which could lead to an infection.
You can generally treat fleabites in children with antihistamines, steroid creams, and ice. But talk to your child’s doctor before giving any medication. Some aren’t safe for young children, or you might need to give them in smaller doses. Don’t give aspirin to children.
Fleabites on babies
Some bug sprays and medications are not safe for babies.
For example, bug sprays containing DEET aren’t safe for babies less than 2 months old. For children between 2 months and 2 years old, use 10% DEET. This should work for 2 hours. Don’t spray DEET near the eyes or mouth, or on sunburns, rashes, or clothes. If your baby sucks their thumb, avoid that area so they don’t accidentally swallow it. Wash off the bug spray when they come inside.
Don’t use these medications to treat fleabites in babies:
- Aspirin in children
- Ibuprofen (Advil) in babies younger than 6 months
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) in babies younger than 1 year
Talk to your baby’s doctor about how to safely protect them from fleabites.
Fleabite Prevention
Fleas are most active in the warm summer months, but they can survive year-round. Luckily, there are many things you can do all year to protect yourself and your pets.
To avoid flea problems in your yard:
- Mow the lawn. This lets sunlight reach the ground, which fleas don’t like.
- Don’t overwater. Fleas prefer damp places, so only water your garden when needed.
- Think about using insecticides. This may be a good option for places your pet spends a lot of time in, such as dog runs.
- Rake. Dead leaves and debris can form damp, shady pockets where fleas breed.
- Keep out rodents. Wild animals can carry fleas into your yard. Get tight lids for your compost and trash cans, and make sure pet food is stored securely. Clear away piles of brush or debris where rodents can hide, and seal up any cracks or holes in your house so rodents can’t get inside.
It’s also a good idea to regularly sweep, vacuum, and do laundry. This way, if a flea gets in the house, you can get rid of it right away.
To protect yourself from fleas outdoors:
- Cover up. Wear long socks, pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.
- Treat your clothing and gear with permethrin. This chemical repels fleas and other bugs. Use 0.5% permethrin on your boots, clothes, and camping gear. You can also buy pretreated clothing. The protection should last through several times in the wash.
- Wear insect repellent. Look for sprays containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. Avoid spraying the eyes, mouth, and skin covered by clothing, sunburns, and rashes. Don’t use sprays with oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMD on children less than 3 years old, and don’t use DEET on babies less than 2 months old. For children less than 2 years old, use 10% DEET. Children aged 3 years and older can use a few drops of 30% DEET to cover their whole body. This search tool can help you find insect repellents registered by the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Avoid wild and stray animals. Don’t feed or pet them. They might carry fleas and other parasites.
- Avoid touching sick or dead animals. These animals might have flea-borne diseases such as the plague. If you must handle them, wear gloves.
Be extra careful when it’s warm outside. This is when fleas are most active. They tend to like cool, damp areas in the shade. You might find them in tall grasses, trees, leaves, and bushes. They can jump over 12 inches from there onto you or your pet.
Can fleas bite through clothes?
Fleas don’t bite through clothing, so wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks can help prevent bites.
Use flea treatment for your pets
The best way to make sure you don't get a fleabite is to make sure your pets are flea-free. Fleas are most common in the warmer months, but they can survive year-round indoors if they have an animal to feed on.
To prevent and treat your pet for fleas:
Ask your vet about preventive flea medications. These medications will nip the problem in the bud. Flea medications can be over-the-counter or prescription. They can be spot-on (meaning you apply it to your animal’s skin or collar), or taken by mouth. Talk to your vet about which type is best for your pet, depending on their species, weight, age, and overall health. Follow the instructions carefully.
Don’t let your pet hang out with wild or stray animals. These animals can carry fleas and other parasites. You might want to limit the time your pet spends outside, especially if you can’t keep an eye on them.
Keep your pet clean. Wash them with warm water and soap (ask your vet about medicated flea shampoo). Try not to get any in your pet’s eyes or mouth.
Brush your pet regularly. After you wash them, carefully brush your pet with a fine-tooth flea comb. This will pick up the fleas, which you can get rid of by dunking the comb in a bucket of soapy water.
Check for fleas frequently. This is especially important if your pet seems more itchy than usual. Part their fur and look for fleas and flea poop. Pay attention to your pet’s ears, neck, back, and belly. That’s where fleas like to hide.
If you find fleas on your pet, it’s important to clean your home thoroughly.
Flea-proof your home
Fleas don’t actually live on animals. Instead, they live in carpets, furniture, bedding, and other surfaces in your home. They even can settle in cracks on the floor. They only jump onto animals to eat.
Here are some ways to keep your home safe:
Wash bedding often. Soap and water kills fleas, so if your pet has them, it’s time for some laundry. Wash your bedding, your pet’s bedding, and your throw rugs in hot water. Then, put them in a dryer on the highest heat setting.
Vacuum regularly. Vacuum your carpets and larger rugs, as well as cushions on chairs and sofas. Be sure to immediately empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed bag and leave it outside.
Think about an indoor flea spray. You may also want to use a flea spray on your carpets and upholstered furniture. Talk with an exterminator first, though, as there's some doubt whether they work. Keep your pets and your family away from the places you spray until the area is dry.
How to get rid of a flea infestation
Despite our best efforts, fleas can sometimes get on pets and into homes. Remember, fleas aren’t a sign that your house is dirty. Fleas live wherever they can find a food source — including you and your pets.
Here’s what to do if you have an infestation, according to the CDC:
Sanitize. Time for a thorough house cleaning. Sweep or vacuum all floors, paying special attention to the wall edges of the walls. Wash rugs and bedding (especially pet bedding) in hot water.
Treat pets. Wash your pet well with soap and water. Talk to your vet about soap options that will kill adult fleas. Afterward, brush your pet with a flea comb. Focus on the neck, ears, neck, back, belly, behind the back legs, and tail. If you have more than one pet, treat them all.
Treat your home. While you start treating your pets, also start treating your home. Doing these treatments at the same time will help interrupt the flea life cycle. Talk to a licensed commercial pest control applicator about which products to use in your home and yard.
Follow up. Insecticides and flea products don’t kill fleas in certain stages of their life cycle. To get rid of all fleas, young and old, you’ll need to repeat the treatment process at least twice in the next 5-10 days. Meanwhile, keep sweeping, vacuuming, and doing laundry.
Fleas have a long life cycle, so depending on how bad the infestation is, you may need to continue the removal process for several months.
Takeaways
Fleabites can be itchy and annoying but usually aren’t serious. You can use ice, antihistamines, and corticosteroid cream to help with the itchiness until they go away. It’s important to take steps to protect you, your pets, and your home from fleas. Talk to your vet about preventive flea medication.
Fleabite FAQs
Do dog fleas bite humans?
They can, but most prefer dogs and cats. That’s because fleas like to hide in your pet’s thick fur.
How do I get rid of fleabites?
Fleabites get better on their own in a few days. In the meantime, you can soothe the itchiness with antihistamines, ice, and other home remedies.
How long do fleabites last?
Fleabites should go away after a few days.
Can fleabites spread?
Fleabites only appear where a flea bites you. The bite itself won’t spread, but if you stay in close contact with fleas, they may continue to bite you.
