When we think of fleas on animals, we often think that they are limited to their animal hosts. It's not for nothing that these lovely little animals are called cat or dog fleas? Unfortunately, this is not always the case. It is a common misconception that animal fleas never pass on to humans.
Although it is true that these parasites favour the animals on which they normally live, including cats and dogs as well as other fur-bearing animals, they can also infest humans, especially if an animal host is not available.
From time to time, cat and dog fleas jump over to a new host or hang around in places where the animal often stays. If you come along as a human, the animals may jump over or settle in blankets and clothing in order to infest a new host later.
Particularly critical times are when the pet is away from home and the fleas miss their host. During the holiday season, it is therefore easy for a flea population to multiply in the absence of the occupants and then attack all available hosts when the opportunity arises.
Fleas lay eggs, which of course only hatch after some time and even eggs laid a long time ago can lead to flea infestation much later, as they survive in different stages, between egg, larva, pupa and imago, the adult animal. The average time from egg laying to hatching is between 2 and 14 days. Therefore, agents with a long-term effect are always needed to combat an infestation in the home.
The fleas themselves can cause very unpleasant skin problems in humans, as the itching and biting can lead to scratching and soreness in the affected areas.
If you have discovered flea bites, you should get soothing ointments from a doctor or pharmacy as soon as possible to prevent inflammation.
In the Middle Ages, fleas that lived on rats were the cause of the plague epidemic that killed many people. This disease was imported from China and spread rapidly due to the poor hygiene habits of the time.
Today, the danger of the plague has been averted, but parasites are generally known to be carriers of viruses and bacteria that can transmit or trigger other diseases. This can happen at any time and anywhere.
There is also a risk that many flea species can transmit tapeworms, as they serve as intermediate hosts.
You should therefore always take a parasite infestation in an animal seriously and take appropriate measures immediately. The animal also suffers from the uninvited guests, as you yourself would painfully realise if you were to be bitten by a flea.
