What do Flea Bites Look Like

Fleas are known for their natural blood sucking behavior. They are not only dangerous for pets, but flea bites on humans are commonly observed. Unfortunately, not many of us are aware what a flea bite looks like. We tend to neglect the signs developed on the skin, assuming as some insect bites. Consequently, flea infestation in the house remain undetected, resulting in frequent flea bites, both in-house pets and family members. And the worst part is the possibility of transmitting disease-causing pathogen through flea bites.

What does a Flea Bite Look Like?

The peak time for flea bites on humans and pets are spring and summer. During these favorable environmental conditions, fleas become active and stick to human skin after coming out from their hiding places. As a flea bites, it cuts the skin and injects saliva that contains anticoagulant substances and several other enzymes. With the anti clotting effects of saliva, the flea continues to draw blood from the host, until it is full or satiated. At this stage, it falls down and settles in a nearby hiding area.

Very often, flea bites in the ankles and lower portion of the leg. A flea bite mark depends on the allergic responses experienced by the individual. The bite area resembles a hard, red dot, surrounded by a red halo skin. At the near center of the red spot, you can notice a single puncture point. The bite region usually swells from the adjacent skin and looks like red bump. In hypersensitive people, the affected skin itches terribly, which may worsen to hives. These redness of the skin and swelling are due to enzymes present in saliva.

As compared to bite symptoms in adults, flea bites on children are very easy to identify. Their sensitive skin reacts severely to the enzymes released by fleas. In short, flea bite symptoms tend to be more serious in children. They mimic mosquito bites, spider bites, other insect bites and at times measles. According to skin sensitivity, flea bite symptoms in children and adults may last for a few minutes to hours or days.

If you spot any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above, practice self-care tips as flea bite treatment. First of all, wash the bite areas with a mild antiseptic soap. Applying ice packs helps in getting instant relief from skin irritation and scratching. If you have a very sensitive skin, consider applying calamine lotion 3-4 times per day. In case, swelling and itching persist for 2-3 days, use over-the-counter antihistamine ointments. In most cases, flea bites do not require therapeutic intervention. However, take doctor's helps for increased swelling and outbreaks of hives.

What do Fleas Look Like?

Besides identifying flea bites, one should try to identify fleas. There are several species of fleas, based on the prospective host. All of them are dark-colored, wingless and flightless parasites, having a laterally compressed body of about 1/8 inch length. Characteristic features used for identifying fleas are tube-like mouth parts and very long hind legs. They tend to hide in furniture, carpets and rugs throughout the year. Effective flea control can be achieved, only if you can detect this blood sucking insect.

So, the next time you spot fleas in the house, act immediately and follow effective home remedies to get rid of them. The earlier you control flea infestation in the house, the easier it will be to eradicate these parasites.