There are many different types of fleas, such as dog fleas and cat fleas as well as human fleas.  It is important to remember, though, that these are descriptions of the fleas themselves and not simply the name given to fleas depending on what host they are attacking.  For example dog fleas can infest cats, and cat fleas can infest dogs.  Human fleas can also infest cats and dogs, as well as pigs and, of course, humans.  Fortunately, however, human fleas are quite rare in Britain now, and while cat and dog fleas can bite humans, they cannot live off them, so they cannot form an infestation.

As human fleas can live off pigs, though, farmers tend to be the ones at most risk from contracting human fleas.  One of the simplest ways to tell the difference between whether you have a flea infestation or you have just got bitten by fleas is that cat and dog fleas tend to only bite humans on the leg, whereas an infestation of human fleas will lead to bites all over the body.  It is a good idea to go by the location of the actual bites, instead of where you might feel itchy, as many people become itchy at the mere thought of fleas!

If your cat or dog has human fleas, then the treatment is the same as if they had any other sort of fleas, so see the appropriate section of the website in that case.  In fact the principles of flea treatment are always the same: remove the fleas from the host, remove the fleas and developing fleas from the environment, and keep a hygienic environment to ensure they do not return.  If you do have fleas, however, then you should see a doctor and talk to a professional pest controller about cleaning up your environment.  If you live on a farm of course, this might be tough, but just do the best you can.  If you do choose to see a doctor then obviously make sure have a shower or bath before going to the doctor’s office – fleas do not need a special treatment to be killed, warm water that has been lathered up with some kind of soapy material will do the trick.  Without ridding the fleas from your environment, however, they will soon be back so this is not a long term solution.

Again, for more information on clearing your house and garden of fleas, see the appropriate sections of this website or contact a professional pest controller to be sure that the job gets done properly.

To treat bites from human fleas, or the other kinds of fleas, firstly it is important that you do not scratch as this increases the chance of infection.  Instead, you should clean the bites with soap and use a lotion or cream to ease the itching, such as calamine lotion.  Use an icepack to reduce any swelling, and if the swelling is very bad this could indicate an allergic reaction in which case you should see your doctor immediately for antihistamine medication.  You should also visit your doctor if pus comes from the wound, as this indicates a secondary infection.