Flea bites look like very small red dots, each with a red halo, and they come in clusters or a short line of three. They are most common on the ankles and lower legs and itch strongly. If you have a cat or dog and the bites are around your feet, they are most likely fleas.
What do flea bites look like?
- A small red dot, smaller than a mosquito bite.
- A faint red halo around the dot.
- Tight clusters, or three bites in a row.
- Strong itching that starts quickly.
- They do not swell as much as a mosquito bite.
Where do fleas bite?
- Ankles, feet and lower legs most of all, as fleas jump from the floor.
- The waist and areas where clothes press.
- The arms if you carried the pet.
- On children they can be anywhere, as they play on the floor.
Do fleas bite people?
Yes. Fleas prefer cats and dogs, but they bite people when there are many of them or when the pet is away and they find no other host.
What to do with the bite
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Apply a cold compress to ease the itch.
- Do not scratch, as it breaks the skin and makes the bite last longer.
- If itching is strong, ask a pharmacist about a soothing cream.
- See a doctor if there is heavy swelling, pus or fever.
How to stop flea bites
Bites only stop when the fleas are gone from the home:
- Treat the pet at the vet first.
- Wash the pet's bedding and covers in hot water.
- Vacuum carpets, sofas and corners daily, and throw the bag away outside.
- Spray a residual insecticide on floors, carpets and wall edges.
- Repeat after two weeks, as pupae are not affected the first time.
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Flea bite FAQs
How long do flea bites last?
Usually two days to a week, longer if scratched.
Do fleas live in human hair?
No. Fleas bite and leave; they do not live on the human body like lice.
Why am I the only one with bites?
Because skin reaction differs. Everyone may be bitten while only one person shows marks.