Flea bites

While flea bites on people can cause distress and discomfort, your pets often suffer much more. You may notice your dog or cat scratch frantically trying to bite the fleas in their fur. 

A flea bite is not particularly painful, but you will often be aware as soon as you have been bitten. You may develop some itchiness around the bite though, which could become uncomfortable, depending on your sensitivity. 

What Happens When Bitten By Fleas?

Flea bites are marked by a tiny dark spot surrounded by a reddened area, but the swelling is less pronounced than with other insect bites. A single flea will often bite two or three times in the same area in search of blood. 

The flea bite is usually felt immediately, but it does not particularly hurt. It is the itchiness that results from the body’s reaction that causes discomfort.

Infants are at higher risk from being bitten by fleas particularly when playing on the floor. They also tend to be more sensitive than adults to flea bites.

After several flea bites, some people develop an allergic sensitivity to being bitten leading to an itchy rash or eczema. Consult a pharmacist for advice and treatment. 

While fleas cause humans distress, pets are often much more affected by flea bites. See how to prevent flea infestation.

What Do Flea Bites Look Like?

Flea bites are very distinctive. Their bite marks are small, unlike mosquito bites. Here some visible signs of a flea bite:

• Bites that appear as small, red bumps

• A red “halo” around the bite center

• Bites in groups of three or four, or in a straight line

• Bites that appear around the ankles or legs (their most likely location)

• Flea bites are also common around the waist, underarms, in the folds of the elbows and knees

There are many other signs of flea infestation. To protect your family and pets, you need to identify the flea and take action quickly. 

What Are the Symptoms of a Flea Bite?

Flea bites exhibit several common symptoms. They are very itchy, and the skin around each bite may become sore or painful. You may experience hives or develop a rash near the site of a bite. Additionally, excessive itching can lead to an infection. 

It is important to know more about the facts of flea infestation.

You should consult a pharmacist for advice and treatment if you develop an itchy rash or eczema. These are common symptoms of an allergic reaction to flea bites. We also advise you to consult your vet if there are any signs of irritation such as skin reddening or thin patches in your pet’s coat.

What Diseases Do Flea Spread When Biting?

Fleas can transmit several serious diseases through their bites. One of the most infamous is the plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which historically led to devastating pandemics.

Fleas can also spread murine typhus, caused by Rickettsia typhi, and cat scratch fever, caused by Bartonella henselae.

Additionally, fleas can transmit tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum) to both pets and humans if ingested. These diseases highlight the importance of controlling flea infestations to protect both human and animal health.

Are you worried about bites?

Contact our pest experts at +85229546888 for your home or business premise to learn more about our flea control treatments. Using professional flea pest control solutions, our expert technicians can help to quickly get rid of fleas, whilst ensuring the safety of your family and pets.