Fleas are insects belonging to the class of obligate parasites. This means that they feed only on blood. And this is their main danger to humans. Flea blood is obtained from warm-blooded animals - dogs, cats and other pets. However, nothing prevents them from transferring to a person as well. Fleas bite very actively, so most people will definitely notice their presence in the house.
There are quite a few types of fleas that bite humans. This is a human flea, a rat, and a dog. However, most often a person suffers from cat flea bites. Experts even call it unique, because this species is widespread throughout the world and bites a huge number of mammals. Often it is on the skin and fur of a cat from the street gets into the house.
Features of flea bites
Fleas bite actively and often, experts assure that they attack a person at the first opportunity. And they do this not out of a sense of revenge, but simply because they need to survive and eat something.
According to statistics, one flea bites on average 1-3 times per meal. Unlike many other insects, which leave the host's body after the very first bite, a flea can linger on it.
Feeling a flea is problematic. It is quite small. In addition, when bitten, it relieves pain. Therefore, a person, as a rule, already notices the result of her bite - i.e. redness and a small blister.
The flea mouth apparatus is an elongated jaw that looks like a thin needle. With them, she pierces the skin and begins to suck blood. Most often, a flea bites its legs so as not to climb far.
Danger of flea bites
Fleas are quite dangerous parasites. Sometimes they are even compared to ticks. After all, the consequences from their bite can be no less serious than from a tick. So, for example, a flea bite can cause a strong allergic reaction, which, with an unfavorable concourse, easily leads even to anaphylactic shock.
In addition, a flea can be a source of infection. It has been proven that these insects carry diseases such as plague, salmonellosis, typhoid, encephalitis, hepatitis, etc.
If you are afraid that you have come across an infectious flea, take tests for various infections some time after the bite.
And, of course, a person takes risks when he scratches the wound. After all, with dirty hands, he can infect the wound.
Why do fleas not bite all people
Situations are not uncommon when, within the framework of one family, some are bitten, others do not. And this becomes a real mystery. Experts have their own explanation for this.
One theory says that blood-sucking insects bite on the blood type. So, for example, they just adore people with the first blood group. For them, it is the sweetest. Those who have the 3rd or 4th blood group do not have to worry, because insects are not of such interest.
Also, people with thin skin become victims of fleas. After all, it is difficult for insects to bite through the cover to get to the blood vessels. Therefore, the thinner the obstacle, the more it attracts.
In general, the conversation about the fact that fleas do not bite someone is wrong. Fleas bite everyone. However, there are those who react and those for whom such bites go unnoticed. So, for example, people prone to various types of allergies will give a reaction to flea bites. Even if it is local and not pronounced.
