Why Fleas Live on Pets and Not Humans
Fleas can bite humans, but they live and reproduce on animals, under the protection of fur and feathers. To get rid of fleas, you need to treat your pet and your home.
When you think of fleas, you probably associate them with your pet. Fleas generally live on dogs, cats, birds, or other warm-blooded animals, because their fur and feathers make it easy to hide and reproduce.
Fleas are very small, wingless parasites that bite skin and suck blood to survive.
While fleas don't typically live on human bodies, they can still bite you. A flea can jump up to 13 inches, so it's possible a pet or other animal can transfer them to you.
This article looks at where fleas prefer to live, how long they live, and how to get rid of them.
Can fleas live on humans as well as pets?
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. There are also dog fleas, but they are less common in the United States.
Fleas can also 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 animals because of their fur or feathers. They can burrow into 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 (or livestock) 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.
Can humans get fleas in their hair?
Fleas do not live on humans, but they may jump on your hair if you're sleeping with a pet or bending down to pet them.
Generally, though, flea bites occur near the feet, ankles, and legs by jumping from an infested pet or an item in your home. Fleas can live in carpets, fabric-covered furniture (like sofas), and pet beds.
How long can fleas live on humans?
It is very unlikely that a flea will stay on your body for any substantial amount of time. Humans do not have fur or feathers like other animals and birds. Fur and feathers give fleas a safe place to lay eggs and repopulate without being noticed.
If a flea lands on you, you're likely to wash or scratch it off before it can breed.
Can humans carry fleas from one home to another?
It's rare that a flea will transfer from one body to another. It's more likely that an animal or person will get fleas from areas where animals live and sleep.
It's possible that bringing an infested pet bed into a new home could spread fleas to another source.
Do fleas bite humans?
Fleas can bite people, most often on the feet, ankles, and legs. They may bite three times in a row. This is known as 'breakfast, lunch, and dinner.'
Typically, the initial bites do not cause a lesion in the skin, but once an individual is exposed to the fleas for a longer period of time, they may develop a hypersensitive reaction.
The red marks from a flea bite may last a few days, but they may get worse if you are more sensitive to the bites or if the area becomes infected.
The photo below shows what flea bites on a person with white skin look like.
Do fleas pose any other dangers to people or pets?
Fleas are more than a nuisance. They can actually cause several serious conditions and may be fatal to animals if the infestation is so severe that it interferes with their overall health.
Fleaborne diseases
Fleas can carry several different diseases that may be transmitted during a bite. In the United States, the most common include:
plague (in Western states)
typhus (in Southern states)
cat scratch fever (also called cat scratch disease)
parasites (such as tapeworms)
These diseases, whose incidence rates appear to be increasing due to the effects of climate change, require medical treatment, such as antibiotics or antiparasitic medications.
Allergic reactions
A flea bite may cause an allergic reaction on your skin because your body reacts strongly to the flea's saliva.
An allergic reaction to the bite can cause flea allergy dermatitis. This can result in:
irritated, red skin
extreme itchiness
hives
infection
Allergic reactions to flea bites can also occur in animals. An allergic reaction can cause an animal to scratch their bites to such an extent that their skin becomes raw or they lose hair.
In these cases, you'll need to take your pet to a vet for diagnosis and treatment.
How to get rid of a flea infestation
If you suspect a flea infestation, you will need to treat both your pet and your home. There are several methods you can try to remove fleas.
To remove fleas from your pet
Talk to a veterinarian about the safest and most effective method for flea removal.
Use a flea comb when grooming your pet.
Leave soap on your pet for at least 5 or 10 minutes when giving them a bath.
Use a veterinarian-prescribed flea medication that kills fleas.
Follow the instructions very closely for over-the-counter flea products.
Protect your pet by avoiding the application of flea removal in their eyes, nose, and mouth.
Use gloves and other protective gear on yourself when applying flea removal products.
To remove fleas from inside or outside your home
Wash pet beds and other fabric toys or mats in hot water.
Vacuum thoroughly, then transfer the vacuumed debris to a plastic bag, seal it, and dispose of it outside immediately.
Apply insecticides to baseboards, but make sure the insecticides you're using are not harmful to pets.
Clean all upholstery (furniture, rugs, carpet, bedding window treatments) often.
Close up holes where wild animals may get into or near your house.
Remove debris surrounding your house.
Call a pest control service if you suspect you have a serious infestation of fleas.
Preventing a flea infestation in your home
You can avoid a flea infestation in your home in several ways, including:
checking your pet regularly for fleas
cleaning your pet's sleeping areas
preventing your pet from entering spaces likely to have fleas from other animals, like crawl spaces or barns
The most common reason veterinarians see pets with fleas is that owners stop giving their pets quality flea and tick prevention during the cold, winter months.
Fleas can survive off an animal's body in the summer, but have to be on a body in the winter to survive. That's why it's important to provide year-round monthly flea prevention to your pet to prevent infestations.
Takeaway
Fleas can bite humans, but they prefer to live on animals that offer the protection of fur and feathers. Fleas can also live in the sleeping spaces of your pets, such as beds, carpets, and sofas.
Flea bites are irritating and may also cause a more serious health condition that requires a doctor's treatment.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
9 minutes ago
- Yahoo
The #1 Herb for Healthy Blood Pressure, According to Experts
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RDOregano is packed with antioxidants that may help lower blood pressure and support heart health. Fresh oregano offers more flavor and health benefits—sprinkle it on veggies, eggs or soups. Oregano's plant compounds show promising blood pressure your blood pressure in check is a top priority for millions of Americans. While medications may be necessary in some situations, there are things you can do at home—including in your kitchen—to help promote healthy blood pressure levels. And, surprise, including herbs like oregano in your regular diet may just be one of them! We talked to two leading dietitians in the nutrition field, one integrative and functional dietitian and one dietitian and chef, to get the facts on how oregano can benefit blood pressure. Find out what the latest research says and how these dietitians recommend incorporating oregano into your routine to improve your blood pressure. There are a lot of healthy herbs you can use in your recipes! In fact, we've rounded up 14 of the healthiest herbs and spices you should eat, and you guessed it, our No. 1 pick for healthy blood pressure tops that list, too. Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is rich in powerful antioxidants that help support overall health. These compounds combat harmful free radicals—unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage over time. Diets high in antioxidants, including those from herbs like oregano, have been linked to lower blood pressure in people with elevated levels. While eating oregano leaves and oil in normal food preparation is likely safe, using supplements, oils or other forms with limited research may pose health risks. So be sure to limit the use of oregano to the leaves—dried and fresh—in recipes you make for the most science-backed benefits. Melissa Azzaro, RDN, owner of The Hormone Dietitian, shares, 'Fresh herbs, including oregano, are one of the most potent sources of antioxidants, so a sprinkle of oregano may help contribute to your antioxidant intake.' According to Azzaro, 'Traditionally, oregano has been used to treat allergies, high blood pressure, diabetes and respiratory infections. Although research in human subjects is limited, oregano contains many powerful plant compounds, like carvacrol, that have been shown to have potential health benefits in test tube and animal studies.' 'Using oregano in cooking is an easy way to boost antioxidant intake, even if we don't fully understand its benefits on health yet,' shares Azzaro. Plus, the versatility of oregano lends itself to various types of recipes. According to New York City-based dietitian and chef Abbie Gellman, 'Oregano is often known for its use in Italian recipes such as pizza or marinara sauce. However, it is frequently used in Greek, Spanish and Mexican cooking. There are so many ways to use oregano!' Here at EatingWell, we love using oregano in recipes like our Greek-Inspired Burgers with Herb-Feta Sauce and Slow-Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatballs. But that's not all you can do with it. Gellman recommends experimenting with fresh oregano by adding it to your favorite no-recipe recipes, like: Sautéed onions and mushrooms or your favorite vegetables Omelets or frittatas Homemade salad dressings Chili and soups But, before you toss a handful of freshly chopped oregano into your warm dish, Gellman suggests waiting until the end of the cooking process and adding to the finished dish. Generally speaking, Gellman shares, 'Fresh oregano will be a better choice than dried in both flavor and health benefits. However, if fresh is not available, then dried can be used.' Blood pressure is the power with which blood flows from your heart through your arteries. This constant blood flow helps deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout your body to keep it functioning at its prime. Medical professionals measure blood pressure to help identify how efficiently the force of blood is flowing through your body. Blood pressure that's too high is called hypertension. Using an arm cuff, a health care provider can help to take your blood pressure reading. The first number in a blood pressure reading—the systolic blood pressure—measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart is beating. The second number—the diastolic blood pressure—measures the pressure in your arteries between beats when your heart is at rest. When blood pressure is measured, the systolic number is recorded over the diastolic number in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Blood pressure levels are used to diagnose high blood pressure: Normal Blood Pressure: <120/80 mmHg Elevated Blood Pressure: 120-129/<80 mmHg Hypertensive (Stage 1): 130-139/80-89 mmHg Hypertensive (Stage 2): >139/>90 mmHg Nearly half of adults have hypertension. Having high blood pressure puts one at risk for heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the United States. It's important to be proactive and take measures with your health care team to support healthy blood pressure if you yourself have high blood pressure or have a family history of this condition. Whether you have high blood pressure or not, adding herbs like oregano to your recipes is a great idea. Not only does oregano have a versatile flavor profile that works well in a variety of dishes, but it also packs plant compounds that have proven health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure. While more research is needed on the blood pressure benefits of oregano in humans, preliminary data is promising. Consider adding fresh oregano to your grocery list and experimenting with it in your favorite recipes. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
CBS News
18 minutes ago
- CBS News
Transcript: Scott Gottlieb on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," June 29, 2025
The following is the transcript of an interview with former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb, Pfizer board member and non-executive chairman of the board at Illumina, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on June 29, 2025. MARGARET BRENNAN: For a look now at some of the changes to America's public health policies under the Trump administration, we're joined by former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb, who sits on the board at Pfizer and is now the Chairman of the Board at Illumina. Good morning. Good to see you. DOCTOR SCOTT GOTTLIEB: Good morning. MARGARET BRENNAN: You know, Dr. Gottlieb, you worked in the first Trump administration. This second Trump administration seems very different in its approach to public health on a lot of fronts. One of them was really laid bare this week with this newly remade Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP. Secretary Kennedy had dismissed about 17 members of the existing board and put in some members of his own choice. And in a video, the president of the American Academy of Pediatrics said federal immunization policy is, quote, 'no longer a credible process' and it's being politicized at the expense of children. That's a pretty stunning statement. Do you agree with the Academy of Pediatrics? DR. GOTTLIEB: Look, you're right. I worked in the first Trump administration. I was fortunate to do that and proud to serve in that administration. I think we did a lot of important things on public health. We presided over the first cell and gene therapy approvals. The president tried to expand access to those treatments through the Right to Try legislation that he championed. He supported the FDA on an effort to try to keep tobacco products out of the hands of kids, record number of generic approvals, and a lot of other accomplishments. I think a lot of people on my side of the political aisle feel that a lot of these policies that Secretary Kennedy is championing are- are going to be contained to vaccines and not bleed into a broader public health doctrine. I think that's not right. I think there's a lot of people now who don't think these things are particularly political, or shouldn't be, and don't think these decisions should be politically decided, who are going to find when they go to the doctor's office that vaccines that they may want to protect their lives or the lives of their families aren't going to be available. This does look like a political process right now. The secretary is going after issues that have long been bugaboos of him and his anti-vax group, Children's Health Defense. I don't think that's mistakable at this point. I think that he would probably acknowledge that. That he's taking on issues that he's championed for the last 20 years to restrict access to certain vaccines. That's going to grow. The list is growing, and it's going to start to be very tangible for people and go well beyond just the COVID vaccine, which is, I think, what most people think about when they perceive this administration's, or the secretary's efforts, to try to restrict access to vaccines. MARGARET BRENNAN: So one of the specific things from this meeting was advice to avoid flu vaccines containing an ingredient called thimerosal. Right around the same time as the meeting, the CDC removed information from its website that debunked claims that this ingredient was linked to autism. Secretary Kennedy says it's- it's journalists who are obscuring the truth. What do people need to know about the flu vaccine and this ingredient? DR. GOTTLIEB: Yeah, so this is an old ingredient. It's a preservative used in multi-dose vials of flu vaccine, primarily. Only a very small percentage of flu vaccine vials still contain it. What it is is an ingredient that's added to multi-dose vials because those vials you're going to go in and out of with different needles as you administer the vaccine to different patients. So they're not single dose injections. They're multi-dose vials that primarily used in some busy clinics, almost exclusively in adults right now. Back in the early 2000s, I was at FDA when we reformulated the vaccine, so we compelled manufacturers to reformulate the vaccines to take this preservative out. Not because we thought it was unsafe, but because there was a lot of consternation among anti-vax groups that they thought that there was a link between this ingredient and autism. The ingredient does contain small amounts of ethylmercury, not methylmercury, ethylmercury, which is the same kind of mercury found in fish, in very small- very small amounts. And so we compelled the manufacturers to reformulate the vast majority of vaccines, still four percent of flu vaccines that get administered, mostly to adults, are from these multi-dose vials. This has long been a bugaboo of the secretary and his group, the Children's Health Defense Fund. In fact, the only presentation at the ACIP meeting was from the head of that group. And you're right that there was a countering analysis from the CDC officials asserting that there's no link between thimerosal and autism. That- that analysis was taken down from the website. The secretary put out a statement that said that it wasn't- it didn't go through proper review. MARGARET BRENNAN: We're going to take a break, Dr. Gottlieb, and talk more with you on the other side of this. These are complicated issues I want to dig into with you. So we hope all of you will stay with us. (ANNOUNCEMENTS) MARGARET BRENNAN: Welcome back to Face the Nation. We return to our conversation with former FDA commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb. Dr. Gottlieb, just to pick back up, we were talking about the meeting that took place this past week with the newly reconstituted Advisory Committee on Immunization. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, you know him, he's a doctor. He has oversight and chairs the Health Committee. He called for the meeting to be canceled because he said there's no CDC director in place. And when it comes to these appointees, he said many of them 'do not have significant experience studying microbiology, epidemiology or immunology' and they may have 'preconceived bias' against mRNA vaccines. It's- I'm not a doctor, but it seems to me that experience in immunology would be important if you're advising on immunizations. His counsel was ignored here. Is there any check on Secretary Kennedy, at this point? Is there a need to get a CDC director in place quickly? DR. GOTTLIEB: Yeah, well, the CDC director had a confirmation hearing this week, and hopefully she'll be in place soon. I think she's quite strong and a good pick for that job. The board, this ACIP board, isn't fully constituted. There's only seven members on the board. At its peak membership, it has about 15. And you're right, a lot of the people who have been appointed don't have deep experience, or any experience, quite frankly, in vaccine science. They are people who have been ideologically aligned with Secretary Kennedy in the past and worked with him, many of them, not all of them. And I think that that isn't something that even the secretary would probably dispute at this time, and it did lead to some awkward moments at that meeting. For example, you know, one member had to have explained to him the difference between an antibody prophylaxis and a vaccine. So there were evidence in that discussion where the CDC directors had to provide some, quite frankly, remedial assistance to help brief these members on the basis of vaccine science. So it did show, hopefully, once they fully constitute that board, you're going to get more balance on it. I think some people are skeptical. I remain hopeful that there will be some good members that get seated eventually. MARGARET BRENNAN: You know, one of the things about the American health system is that question of continued innovation. Earlier this month, the FDA approved a twice yearly injection of an HIV prevention drug called lenacapavir. How significant is an innovation like that, and given the environment you're talking about, will these new advisors get in the way of being able to get those kind of things to market? DR. GOTTLIEB: Yeah, this shouldn't come before ACIP. So this is a therapeutic. It's a long acting antiviral that provides six months of protection against HIV and was extremely effective at preventing HIV infection in a population that was high risk of contracting HIV. So it's a change in the formulation of an antiviral that allows it to be administered just twice a year and provide sustained exposure to the benefits of that antiviral. We're seeing a lot of innovation like this. There was also news this week from a small biotech company that I don't have any involvement with, that they had developed a pill that could provide sustained protection against flu. So it's an antiviral, but it is formulated in a way where it- it could be administered once ahead of flu season, to provide protection across the entire season, and also look to be very effective. So we're seeing a lot of innovations like this. What I'm worried about is innovation in vaccine science. I work on the venture capital side, where we make investments in- in new companies, and there has been a pullback of biotech startups that have been looking to develop new vaccines, for example, vaccines for Epstein-Barr Virus, which we know is linked to certain B-cell lymphomas, and maybe is linked to multiple sclerosis. That- that's a new area of science, the potential to vaccinate children against that, much like we vaccinate kids against HPV right now and prevent cervical cancer and other types of cancers. Maybe in the future, we may be vaccinating for EBV, but there's been a lot of pullback to that kind of investment. So I think we're going to see less innovation in vaccine science as a result of the environment we're in. MARGARET BRENNAN: Quickly, Secretary Kennedy was asked this week about the declarations in some states to start removing fluoride from water. Oklahoma made some moves that direction. He said you're going to see 'probably slightly more cavities,' but 'there's a direct inverse correlation between the amount of fluoride in your water and your loss of IQ.' What should parents be thinking about when they hear things like that? DR. GOTTLIEB: Well, look, this has been a long standing issue, another issue that Secretary Kennedy has championed over his career, this perceived- perception that there's a link between fluoride and water and some neurotoxic effects of that. That's been studied thoroughly. It's been, I think, fully debunked. There's very small amounts of fluoride in water, and at the levels that it's put into the water supply, it's been demonstrated to be safe. CDC's- has data showing that there's a 25% reduction in dental caries as a result of fluoride that's added routinely to the water supply. It's not just a question of increased dental cavities, but also oral health more generally, which we know is correlated to systemic health. MARGARET BRENNAN: Dr. Gottlieb, good to get your insight today. We'll be right back.
.jpeg&w=3840&q=100)
Vogue
37 minutes ago
- Vogue
Why Azelaic Acid Is the Do-It-All Skin-Clearing Ingredient You've Been Looking For
Azelaic acid is the unsung hero of exfoliants. While retinoids and chemical exfoliators like alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids get plenty of well-deserved hype for their ability to renew skin, they're just not for everyone. If you've tried these ingredients and they weren't right for you, azelaic acid products should be on your radar. 'Despite having the word 'acid' in its name, azelaic acid is well-tolerated,' says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Evan Rieder. Vogue's Favorite Azelaic Acid Products Azelaic acid is not an AHA or BHA, but a dicarboxylic acid, and naturally occurs in grains. Yes, it gently resurfaces skin, which inherently helps smooth out uneven texture, fade dark spots, and unclog pores, but azelaic acid has other properties that enhance these benefits. The ingredient is an antioxidant and has potent anti-inflammatory effects, which is why it's long been used by dermatologists to treat redness, including the flushing associated with rosacea. It has antibacterial properties, too, and kills Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria implicated in acne, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Morayo Adisa. 'It also brightens skin by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, making it ideal for post-acne marks and melasma with a low risk of irritation,' adds board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anetta Reszko. In This Article:
