What Do Flea Bites Look Like?

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Although we often associate flea bites with our pets, fleas do bite humans as well. They make their way into our homes by way of our dogs and cats or other wildlife living on our properties. A small group of fleas can quickly burst into an outbreak of hundreds, but they can still be hard to spot. If you have noticed small red bite marks around your ankles, knees, elbows, armpits, or other creased areas on your body, you might have a flea infestation on your hands.

Identifying Flea Bites

How Do You Tell if a Bite Is from a Flea?

The intense itching from flea bites can last for several days. People often confuse flea bites with bed bug bites. So what do flea bites look like? These are the main differences between bed bug bites vs flea bites:

• Bed bugs bite in lines or zig-zag patterns and will bite any skin that is exposed while you sleep.
• Flea bites are found in unorganized clumps and are usually found in areas where your body folds, like elbows and knees. They are small and dark red with a less pronounced ring of swelling than many other bug bites.

Are Flea Bites Raised or Flat?

Flea bites are typically small, raised red bumps, often with a tiny red spot in the center. These bites can be intensely itchy and may appear in clusters or lines on the skin. The raised nature of the bites distinguishes them from other types of insect bites.

Can Fleas Live in Your Bed?

Fleas can live in your bed, as they thrive in warm environments and can hide in sheets, mattresses, and bedding. They may lay eggs in these areas, leading to ongoing infestations. Read on to find out how and where to spot fleas in your bed, along with information about flea bites.

How To Spot Fleas in Bed

To spot fleas in your bed, start by inspecting your sheets, mattress, and pillows for small, dark brown or black specks known as flea dirt (flea feces). These specks may turn red when dampened, indicating they contain digested blood. Check your mattress, as fleas often hide in these areas. You may also notice tiny, fast-moving fleas or their eggs, which are small and white. See our flea identification page for more details.

Can Fleas Live in a Mattress?

Yes, fleas can live in a mattress, particularly in the seams, where they find shelter. While fleas primarily live on pets, they can infest bedding and mattresses, laying eggs that hatch into larvae and eventually become adult fleas. Fleas thrive in warm, humid environments, making mattresses an ideal hiding spot. To prevent or address an infestation, regularly wash bedding in hot water, vacuum the mattress, and consider using a flea spray designed for bedding.

Do Fleas Bite Humans in Bed?

Yes, fleas can bite humans in bed, especially if there’s an infestation in your home or on your pets. Fleas are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide, making beds an inviting place to find a host. While fleas prefer animals, they will bite humans if pets aren’t available. Flea bites typically appear as small, itchy red bumps, often in clusters around the ankles, legs, or waist.

Treating Flea Bites

Treating flea bites involves several steps to alleviate itching and prevent infection. First, wash the bites with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. Applying an over-the-counter anti-itch cream or hydrocortisone can help soothe the itching and inflammation. Oral antihistamines may also be used to reduce itching. To avoid scratching, which can lead to infection, keep the affected area clean and covered. If a bite shows signs of infection—such as increased redness, swelling, or pus—seek medical attention.

How Long Do Flea Bites Last?

Flea bites last for a day or two if your reaction is mild and you don’t scratch the bites. In worse cases, bites that see adverse, potentially allergic reactions can last for one to two weeks, or longer if they become infected. They usually heal on their own without treatment, but if your symptoms are bothering you, apply anesthetic creams or calamine lotion to the bite areas.

Do Fleas Go Away on Their Own?

Fleas are unlikely to go away on their own once they’ve infested your home or pets. These resilient pests can quickly multiply, laying hundreds of eggs in carpets, bedding, and furniture. Without treatment, fleas can persist for months, causing discomfort and potential health issues for both pets and humans.

Natural Remedies to Stop Flea Bites

Natural remedies can help soothe flea bites and prevent further itching. Applying aloe vera gel or diluted apple cider vinegar to the affected area can reduce inflammation and itching. Oatmeal baths are also effective in calming irritated skin. For prevention, essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil can be diluted with water and sprayed on the skin to repel fleas. However, be cautious when using essential oils, especially around pets. Regularly washing bedding in hot water and vacuuming can help prevent flea infestations and reduce the risk of bites.

How To Stop Flea Bites

To stop fleas, start by treating your pets with vet-recommended flea medications, including topical treatments, oral tablets, or flea collars. Regularly wash pet bedding and vacuum carpets, furniture, and floors to remove flea eggs, larvae, and adults. Dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister outside immediately. You should also use an insect growth regulator (IGR) spray to prevent eggs from maturing. If the infestation persists, consider professional pest control for fleas to treat your home. Preventative measures, such as ongoing pet treatment and cleanliness, are key to keeping fleas at bay.

What Scent Will Keep Fleas from Biting Me

Certain scents can help deter fleas from biting. Essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree are known for their flea-repelling properties. These oils can be diluted with water and applied to the skin as a natural repellent. Citronella and lemongrass oils are also effective in keeping fleas at bay. However, it’s important to test these oils on a small patch of skin first, as they can cause irritation in some people. Additionally, be cautious when using essential oils around pets, as some can be toxic to animals.

Comprehensive Flea Management and Treatment Solutions

Comprehensive flea management and treatment solutions from a residential pest control company involve a multi-faceted approach to ensure the effective treatment and prevention of future infestations.

• Thorough Inspection: The process begins with a detailed inspection of your home, identifying flea hotspots like pet bedding, carpets, and furniture. This assessment helps determine the extent of the infestation and tailor the treatment plan accordingly.
• Integrated Flea Control: This step includes both immediate and preventive measures. Professional treatments often involve the use of insecticides and insect growth regulators (IGRs) that kill adult fleas and prevent eggs from hatching. This ensures that fleas are addressed throughout their life cycle.
• Flea Treatment for Pets: Flea management isn’t complete without treating your pets. Veterinary-approved flea treatments are recommended to stop fleas from living and breeding on your animals.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups are crucial to ensure the infestation is fully eradicated. Monitoring helps detect any new flea activity early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing re-infestation.

By combining these strategies, comprehensive flea management ensures your home remains protected from fleas.

Can Flea Bites Make You Sick?

Flea bites can lead to a long list of issues in more severe cases. They can pass on bacterial diseases, and itching the bites can lead to infections. Fleas have the potential to more seriously affect our pets, passing on tapeworms and inciting cases of anemia.

If you’ve been experiencing symptoms related to flea bites for two weeks or longer, reach out to a medical professional for an assessment.

Preventing Flea Bites in Georgia

To best prevent flea bites by yourself, keep an eye out for excessive itching in pets or excess wildlife in your yard. If you believe that your home has been infested, contact your local flea control experts. Our technicians at Active Pest Control can quickly wipe out a flea infestation in your home and help you prevent another from occurring. Contact us today to find out more about our services!

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