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The human flea (Pulex irritans) – once also called the house flea [1] – is a cosmopolitan flea species that has, in spite of the common name, a wide host spectrum.It is one of six species in the genus Pulex; the other five are all confined to the Nearctic and Neotropical realms. [2]
Fleas aren't a sign of a home's cleanliness. Instead, experts said they're a regular part of the environment. ... She said a main determinant if you have fleas are long itchy red bites on the skin ...
Flea bites cause a slightly raised, swollen, irritating nodule to form on the epidermis at the site of each bite, with a single puncture point at the centre, like a mosquito bite. [ 34 ] : 126 This can lead to an eczematous itchy skin disease called flea allergy dermatitis , which is common in many host species, including dogs and cats. [ 29 ]
These insects tend to bite people’s heads, arms and legs, said Drake, because, as cattle pests, they go for hairy parts of the body. Protecting your head by wearing a hat is the most effective ...
Therefore, parasitism by fleas can affect the population of the hosts. [11] Studies in gerbil hosts have found that flea infestation reduced Gerbillus dasyurus body mass and immune defences. [ 11 ] In common vole hosts, it has also been found that flea infestation reduces body mass and immune defences and also induces an iron deficiency. [ 11 ]
The most infamous flea-to-human transmitted disease is the bubonic plague, which was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis.
As with other fleas, the life cycle consists of eggs, the larval stages, a pupal stage and an adult stage. [7] The larvae have chewing jaws and it is only the adult fleas that are capable of biting the host. Under optimal conditions of temperature and humidity, adults can emerge from the cocoon in 23 days.
Don't let fleas take over your house. Follow these expert tips on how to get rid of fleas on pets (dogs included!), furniture, bedding and even in your yard.