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Can Fleas Live on Human Hair?

Posted by Mosquito Squad

December 20, 2023

Fleas bite humans, but they do not live on them. Often, they bite the closest skin available. That’s why we receive itchy bites on our feet and ankles.

Fleas can infest carpeting, pet beds and bedding, and even infest your bed. And while they do not typically live on human hair or skin, they can infest your pet’s fur, where they take blood, and reproduce. There are ways to eliminate flea infestations, but at Mosquito Squad of Northeast Florida, we know that it is much easier to prevent flea infestations. Eliminate the need for indoor fogging and multiple pet baths and treatments with effective flea control in Jacksonville Florida.

Flea Control Jacksonville FL

Luckily for us in Florida, flea control Jacksonville FL is best achieved with Mosquito Squad – yes, this Jacksonville mosquito control expert controls fleas, too. We offer a double dose of annoying pest protection.

If you suspect that fleas are present in your yard, you must take care of the problem immediately by calling The Squad at (904) 844-0816. We are not just ready to tackle the problem for you, we are ready to knock down your pest problem and maintain your bug-free environment with smart preventative maintenance.

Frequently, we associate fleas with our furry friends that share our homes with us. Cats and dogs can harbor fleas and bring them into our space without us even being aware of it. Fleas don’t just bite their hosts—they frequently bite humans and cause itchy skin. Much like mosquitoes, these bloodsuckers can also carry diseases. When fleas are present, they can get in the way of your enjoyment of your home and yard. Mosquito Squad is not okay with this!

To remedy the problem, once our flea control Jacksonville FL technicians arrive at your home, they will conduct a comprehensive inspection to assess your situation. Once the scope of your flea problem is determined, we will develop a targeted plan of attack for the specific areas of your yard where fleas harbor and breed like brush and wood piles, tall grass, and under decks. It’s important that adult fleas do not reproduce. Our treatment will focus on stopping them from spreading.

The Itch From Flea Bites is as Annoying as a Mosquito Bite

When a flea secretes saliva into your bloodstream as it bites you, your body registers the saliva as an allergen. Your immune system then sends the chemical histamine to the area where the flea bit you to remove the allergen from your body. Histamine is what causes your flea bites to itch and swell. Most people have a flea bite allergy.

In addition to histamine, the flea's saliva also contains other chemicals that can cause an allergic reaction in some people, making the itching and other symptoms even worse. The chemicals found in flea saliva that can cause an allergic reaction in some people include histamine, proteases, and antigens. Proteases are enzymes that break down proteins and can cause tissue damage and inflammation, while antigens are substances that can trigger an immune response in the body. When the immune system recognizes these antigens as foreign invaders, it produces antibodies that can lead to an allergic reaction. In some cases, flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) can develop, which is a skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to flea saliva. FAD can cause severe itching, redness, swelling and may even require medical treatment.

To alleviate the itching caused by flea bites, you can try using over-the-counter antihistamines or topical creams and ointments that contain corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory agents. It's also important to keep the affected area clean and avoid scratching, as this can lead to infection and further irritation.

Stop the Fleas, and Stop the Bites with Mosquito Squad Flea Control

Call on Mosquito Squad of Northeast Florida for effective flea control Jacksonville FL. Get in touch with us at (904) 844-0816.

Also read: Are fleas harmful to humans?