Having fleas in your residence is no fun. To avoid further problems you will need to take action to find and eliminate all the fleas. This process involves thorough cleaning, vaccuming, laundering, a visit to the veterinarian to get treatments for your pet and, of course, a pesticide treatment using
Suspend SC mixed with
Precore IGR Concentrate, which is an insect growth regulator. You might buy a product for your pet, too. I recommend
Petcor Flea Spray.
Fleas bite humans, too. A flea bite on humans takes the form of a small bump surrounded by a red halo. The spot itches, of course. Each bump has a tiny puncture hole in the center caused by the flea piercing the skin. It is most common to find
these bumps on lower legs and around the waist where clothing is tightest. The small bristles on their legs point backwards, helping them move slowly, but surely up your pant legs.
Reactions to flea bites vary from person to person depending upon an individual's sensitivity. In fact, some people are totally unaffected by flea bites or they simply are not bitten because the fleas are not attracted. Children often have more pronounced reactions to flea bites.
Several steps can be done at home to treat flea bites on humans. First, wash the bitten areas with soap or some type of antiseptic. Use cold water to clean the area. Hot water only stimulates the bite and makes it itch even more. Apply ice to the bites to reduce the swelling and try not to scratch. Like any insect bite, scratching can lead to open sores and infections.
Any of several hydrocortisone creams can be applied to the spots to help relieve itching. More severe itching may require additional antihistamine medications. Again, read the label or consult your physician before giving any medications to small children. If no relief comes from these actions, you may require medical attention from your doctor.
Comments
jacki ann
26 Aug 2010, 23:50
i ended up with contact dermatitis a few months ago and i believe im
getting it again could fleas cause this condition?
Ask the Exterminator
27 Aug 2010, 09:01
Flea saliva is a common allergen and a cause of dermatitis.
Leslie Foster
29 Aug 2010, 00:42
I have not had a problem with fleas since moving into the city, but we
recently moved into a new place within two weeks I started getting bit,
then I realized that the dog was scratching alot. So I got him a flea
collar now they are all jumping on me but soon enough they will go away I
hope just as in the past. As soon as I got rid of them on the animals they
usually left me alone until then I will be miserable!
Tammy Winters
30 Aug 2010, 08:09
To Silvi C- Um, Oh my God, number one, it sounds like you have A LOT of
problems, not just fleas. Number two, THE BEST piece of advice you could
possibly get and follow is this GET RID OF THE FRIGGIN CATS! It doesn't
take a rocket scientist. Why sacrifice the health of you and your elderly
mother over some infested cats who obviously have never been to a vet!?
Tina Ferris
31 Aug 2010, 15:42
I have never had these kinds of bites before. i just recently got them all
over my stomach. Its very itchy and i try to avoid itching it! but in other
cases they are small and red bumps. My mother in law think that it came
from my dog who has flees and passed it over to me? but im not sure! after
these bumps appeared i cleaned all my blankets by washing them over and
over again thinking it could of been bed bugs also? but im not sure. ive
been rubbing this lotion on my stomach called OFF LOTION and it seems to
work alittle it gets me to not itch for a couple of hours, but then it
starts itching againg after a while. UHHHHHH this sucks and it is something
i hate to go through
LISA
05 Sep 2010, 07:51
A few weeks ago, I noticed singulaur bites on my hands and ankles. They
were very itchy. Later, I noticed two between my thighs and two on my
stomach-very close to one another. Also the dog has been very itchy. I
see no fleas on her and frontline monthy. Is it possible that these could
be bed bug bites, as I gave someone a ride and they mentioned that they had
them. It seems to me that the bedbugs and flea bites look similar. I only
get bitten it seems when I fall asleep on my couch. It is a futon and I
have taken the cover off and have seen nothing unusual.Should I call a
professional?
Ask the Exterminator
05 Sep 2010, 07:55
It's certainly possible those bites are from bed bugs. Inspecting for bed
bugs requires a thorough inspection of the rooms in which you sleep. If you
don't know how to identify the various stages of bed bugs, I would
recommend you call a professional.
chase
07 Sep 2010, 20:34
I just slept at my friends house and he said he had fleas... the next
morning i woke up and had all these bites,... im 99% positive they are
fleas i just got a new matress so i know its not bed bugs... i need to get
rid of these, they ITCH!!!! plz help!
Ask the Exterminator
09 Sep 2010, 12:19
I've got lots of articles on flea control and treatments under the "Flea"
category on the left side on any page.
Kimberly
20 Sep 2010, 09:43
I've been noticing flea bites as well, obviously since I'm on this page.
I definitely wake up with a few new ones every day, and I'm SO tired of
itching all the time! Not to mention my legs just look gross bc of all the
bites. I'm definitely planning on getting some hydrocortisone to help, but
is there anything I can do to prevent more bites while we go through the
extermination process? What I mean is, is there any type of lotion or
something I can put on at night to make them not want to go near me or take
one bite and realize I'm unappealing?
Ask the Exterminator
20 Sep 2010, 16:50
There's DEET and there is a product called BugBand which is DEET-free. It's
sold at www.bugband.net.
Jan rogers
21 Sep 2010, 19:37
Tea Tree Oil will take the itch out of flea bites almost immediately. Just
apply with the fingertip directly on the bite and wait a few moments. It
will give relief for several hours. Can reapply when the itching begins
again.
Lashawniccee Carter
28 Sep 2010, 14:01
I have been bitten by these pest and it's from our neighbors dogs and they
are tynna take over my house and this is ridiculous we sprayed our house
terminex can' come until friday and I have sensitive skin and these fleas
are everywhere
Carol
30 Sep 2010, 21:19
Wow, same thing happening to me... I watched a dog for 2 days at my home
(who was shaking his fur left and right) and now my house has fleas. My
in-laws had the same problem from watching this dog, but they don't have
carpet (only tile) and treated it quickly. I am not so lucky, I have
carpet and it lives in it and it only bites me, not my family. I hired an
exterminator (helps somewhat) and now putting DE in the carpets. They are
deep in the carpet, its unreal. They are biting me crazy & Dr's think I am
crazy. I see them dead in my carpet (sesame seed like) & caught over 50
with the bowl of vinegar & light. I am slowly getting rid of them, but
seems like this is going to be a long battle before they die. DE til the
end. Look into it. Rub into carpet and dust everywhere (where a mask &
leave for 2 hours) and only use food grade, not the pool kind. It's safe
but don't breath it in, wear the mask and rub it in like crazy everywhere
in the carpet. I am traumatized from this. Never again will I allow a
pet in my home and I love dogs! :(
Carol
30 Sep 2010, 21:30
PS... I meant to say wear a mask while applying (don't over do it, sprinkle
and use paint brush to rub in and use your shoes too to rub it in & leave
the house for 2 hours (with pets & family) but leave DE into carpet for 4
days and vacuum. Rub it in good. Dust the baseboards also. Retreat
over and over. Do not inhale DE dust and do not let it get on your hands,
can dry your hands out. Wear a mask and leave the house for 2 -4 hours.
It is working, but taking time... Good luck you all! I can't take it no
more! DE is Diatomaceous Earth (safer, no pesticides). Google it. Anyone
can help me out, let me know. Thanks!
Ask the Exterminator
30 Sep 2010, 22:46
You need to thoroughly vacuum. Then you need to wash everything where the
pet came in contact. Treat all carpet areas with Suspend SC insecticide,
but be sure to add the Precore Insect Growth Regulator to the mixture. This
is a professional level treatment that will get rid of your fleas.
Damien
02 Oct 2010, 22:30
i did cleaning of my house time after time and they still reapear uggg... i
dont know wat to do anymore we only have to carpet areas in the house and
they just so happen to be in the to main places used the most bedroom and
living room i was wondering if i take my carpets out and get regular tiles
put in would that eliminate them or is thier something else i can do before
i take that step ? i also at times just get itches and notice little bumps
and start scrathin them sometime till they bleed and i know what fleas look
like and i dont see none no where when i look to see if they were the
reason why i got that bump is thier anything else i should be looking for
or can do ?
Damien
02 Oct 2010, 22:38
i have one more question i have both tea tree oil and lavender oil is it
true that both can be aplied on to the skin and used as a repelant and if
so how are u supposed to use either or whats the best way to use them and
how long does it work ?
Ask the Exterminator
03 Oct 2010, 08:49
Damien,
Read my other articles about flea control and you will learn how to fix the
problem. Click on "Fleas" in the category list found on the left side of
every page.
Ask the Exterminator
03 Oct 2010, 17:03
Damien:
Australian aboriginals used tea tree leaves for healing skin cuts, burns,
and infections by crushing the leaves and applying them to the affected
area.
Tea tree oil contains consituents called terpenoids, which have been found
to have antiseptic and antifungal activity.
jordan smithical
15 Oct 2010, 11:43
Hi um i had family over and their cats had fleas but when they left the
flas remained and I have read everything but had no help killing these pest
and I have bug bites on mylegs and ankles .....can you help in any way
.pleases and thank yous
Ask the Exterminator
15 Oct 2010, 12:07
I've got loads of articles on flea control. Just click on "fleas" on the
category list on the left side of the page.
sunni
18 Oct 2010, 01:43
if youre currently having fleas in the house. Skin so soft from avon is a
really good flea repellant
damsel
25 Oct 2010, 12:21
After moving into a new home we found that our indoor cats now have fleas.
We have had 5 professional exterminations with foggers, growth regulators,
etc and still continue to have the problem after more than a month and a
half. The fleas are attacking not only the cats but also myself and my
boyfriends scalp, arms, legs. How many more professional exterminations do
we need to go thru? we vacuum regularly, the new home is pretty much empty,
no carpeting - all hardwood.
damsel
25 Oct 2010, 12:23
might i add, we have occured 1000's in vet bills, when we treat the home we
go to a hotel and bath the cats and also give them capstar flea kill pills
and also they have advantage on them have flea collars!
Kayla
25 Oct 2010, 12:51
I have flea bombed the house. I have used the carpet powders. Spray bug
barrier around all the baseboards. Wash everything in the house. I just
cant get them to don't even have the cat anymore. My doctors has now put
me on meds because the bites are so bad. I just don't know what else to
do.
Ask the Exterminator
25 Oct 2010, 12:53
Damsel:
You shouldn't have to go through any additional exterminators, but you
surely should call the one you paid and demand they return to resolve the
problem. Obviously, they didn't do the job correctly.
Ask the Exterminator
25 Oct 2010, 12:56
Kayla:
Flea control often depends on a thorough treatment of all surfaces where
pets have had access. If you have failed to treat all these surfaces, the
fleas simply re-populate after your treatments. Don't forget to use an
insect growth regulator, as well.
damsel
25 Oct 2010, 13:02
Exterminator - we have used a local exterminator and he did 2 treatments
and failed. We got our money back. We then hired Terminix and they have
been to our home 3 times already over the past month and there has been no
change. They are using different chemicals each time they come out and
growth regulators too. One would think with all these methods - that
something would work after 1.5 months but terminix is saying it takes a
long time to get rid of them - which i understand but so many treatments?
seems like a vicious cycle every 10 days and we're not getting ahead any!!
Ask the Exterminator
25 Oct 2010, 14:01
Damsel:
I agree! That seems like a long time to get control. I'd like to ask you
more questions about your property, but you will need to contact me via the
"Ask A Question" button at the top of the page, rather than having a
conversation in the comments box.
Katherine
04 Nov 2010, 07:58
HELP!
I have a 2 year old that has like 50 or more bites on his arms; back;
ankles legs; neck; one on face. They itch him a lot. I don't know what to
do. His Doctor will be no help I know. The bites are raised and they are
making scars; this has been going on for like 3 or more months. We have
sprayed flea spray; set off bombs and a week later new bites; we have a dog
that has fleas not as bad now but she is still itching, we haven't seen any
on her but she still is itching. I don't know how to get rid of this huge
problem...... please help!!!!!! Thanks
Ask the Exterminator
04 Nov 2010, 14:11
Read my other articles on proper flea treatments. They are listed under the
"flea" category list on the left side of the page.
Marie Amato
09 Nov 2010, 13:13
Help! I have 2 dogs and 2 cats and they have all been treated with
frontline plus. My dogs sleep in our bedroom and Inoticed 3 months ago
bites on my feet.
I have been fighting this horrible fleas with no success, at night they
attack me those small little blood suckers are attaching themselves to me!!
GROSS I have had to dig them out of my skin and their also in my hair! I
have bombed the house 2 times, used borax,salt, vinegar, and various
sprays. I would appreciate any help I can get! Thanks
Ask the Exterminator
09 Nov 2010, 14:48
You're doing the treatments all wrong. I've got several articles on this
website that provide instructions on how to do a flea treatment.
Kathy
30 Dec 2010, 21:38
I thought we had bed bugs, so new mattress, box springs,sheets,comforters,
everything. They leave a hole with three small pin marks around the
hole.But these are DEEP.They put me in the psychiatric ward because they
said I was taking sewing scissors and wounding myself!I had to open the
holes up because there were like small, tiny worms inside. I have severe
scars all over my stomach, and upper arms.We had stopped getting the bites
and it got cold and my older cat(who has bad fleas)we let in.We NEVER saw
what bit us.. until tonite..a small flea!Do they leave larvae inside the
bite?
Ask the Exterminator
30 Dec 2010, 21:43
No! They don't.
aaron
09 Feb 2011, 12:02
i got from beach and my brother, mother including myself are having itches
especially on the feet. mine is the worst. i feel like there are some
movement on my skin. but i'm not sure whether they're fleas or not. but i
really think they are. so, i washed my whole leg and even immersed it with
hot water (hoping the fleas will die on high temperature).then, i applied
some cream on my skin. unfortunately, it's getting worse by day. now it
goes up to my elbow and waist and it itches so badly. if hot water didn't
help, i'll try with cold water. i tried not to scratch it and still doesn't
work. am i too yummy for these little tiny sucking things..? lol i hate
this
tinalee rolen
19 May 2011, 23:28
help,these fleas are about to drive me nuts.i have tried chigger meds and
took oatmeal baths,they help with the itching but only for a little
while,they dont seem to bother my husband but they jump and crawl all over
me and now i know how my pets feel,is there anything that i could do with
just what i have around the house,like food or lotions or what have
you.help me if you can.
Ask the Exterminator
20 May 2011, 07:27
You need to treat your house for the flea infestation. I have lots of
articles on how to do this under the "flea" category link on the left side
of the page.
Cori
20 May 2011, 11:11
I must say i am relieved to know that im not the only one going crazy with
flea problems. I moved into my boyfriends house and he has a small dog who
is covered in them. and they are slowly getting into our room on the
carpets, in our bed, and are now biting us. I have come to a solution
however. I am going to rent a rug-doctor, and vaccumm. However Salt mixed
with baking soda; some diatomaceous earth or boric acid will surely kill
the fleas by dehiderating them as will the salt. and if you feed your dog
some brewer yeast and garlic the fleas will find him less desirable in
taste. also if you get bite by a flea. wash it the bite with cold water
with soap/antiseptic, and ice if swelling starts.
Paige
23 Jun 2011, 19:40
yea...i have a flea questio obviously. we have two dogs and they get fleas.
after we disinfect the fleas from our home, the dogs r relieved. but theres
a small problem. i'm not. the fleas tend to bite me and not my mom. my
legs, waist, and arms r covered in flea bites. how can i make the fleas
leave me alone? my mom thinkss the fleas r bitin me due to my pale
complexion, but i dont know. so, y r the fleas bitin only me?
Ask the Exterminator
23 Jun 2011, 21:08
You have yet to eliminate the fleas from your home. Read my other articles
about how to treat for fleas. You can find them by clicking on "Fleas" on
the left side of any page on my website.
Rae
17 Jul 2011, 02:37
To all you "itches"-the best thing i'v found for all bites and stings is
AFTER BITE. i know personally that it works on mosquito and flea bites as
well as bee stings. the only ingredient listed is ammonia. they also have
AFTER BITE KIDS which is eucalyptus oil. if you cant foind it at walmart
try your local pharmacies. i hope this will help.