Did you know that there are an estimated 2,000 species of fleas worldwide, with more than 300 types found in the U.S.? Fleas are the most common parasite found on fur-bearing animals with our dogs and cats included.
We are writing a series about these fleas that most affect us in the United States:
What is a Human Flea?
Once called the house flea, the human flea also called Pulex irritans, is a cosmopolitan flea species that has a broad host spectrum. The genus Pulex is one of six species; the other five are all confined to the Nearctic and Neotropical regions.
Human fleas are a nuisance, an irritant, and can transmit a plague to people. This plague called Yersinia pestis is a nonmotile, rod-shaped, coccobacillus bacteria and Gram-negative, with no spores. This plague that can infect humans causes the diseases which take three primary forms:
- Bubonic plagues
- Pneumonic
- Septicemic
Human fleas feast on the blood of people, rats, pigs, and wild boar. Adult human fleas are usually larger than dog or cat fleas.
Human fleas are a worldwide pest. They are far more common in North America than are dog fleas, and are especially bothersome to people who work with or live near pigs, according to the CDC. In Europe, dog fleas are more of a problem. But the cat flea is even more common than the human flea in both North America and Europe.
Flea bites create itchy papules and are in groups of three. Fleas travel quickly through jumping with their strong legs – up to one hundred times their body length.
Human fleas can live undetected under the skin of a human and reproduce rapidly. They are wingless and flattened from side to side, which makes it difficult to dislodge in hair. They can live for long periods on most humans because of lack of hair.
Flea Removal
The best process of getting rid of human fleas is as follows:
- Thoroughly wash all your clothes first to remove fleas
- Take a shower and clear the fleas off your body
- Use Flea Shampoo (the kind designed for dogs, because there isn’t one for humans), or Lice Shampoo on your hair or beard
- Clean your comb and brush
- Spray yourself with anti-flea spray
- Treat your pet to ensure any fleas they have can’t spread back to you
- Thoroughly clean your carpets, sofa covers and bed
- Contact a Pest Control company
Please let our team of professionals help you with fleas in your home and property. Don’t spend your valuable time dealing with things that we can handle for you. If you’re in any of the surrounding areas, give Proactive Pest Control a call at 770-800-PEST or 770-800-7378.
Contact Us
Choose Proactive Pest Control for professional, comprehensive, guaranteed pest, and lawn management. The pros at Proactive will work diligently to gain your trust, confidence, and your total satisfaction. CALL US TODAY at 770-800-PEST to schedule a free, no obligation inspection and evaluation for your home or business. Or, contact us for a FREE consultation. Let us show you why Proactive Pest Control is northeast Georgia’s first choice for pest, termite, and lawn services.