Fleas can be a nuisance and headache not only for pets but also for their humans. This small parasite spends their lives in furs of their host and gain their nutrition by sucking on the host’s blood. As a result, the host gets flea bites. These are small red bumps usually in the form of clusters. The worst thing about flea bites is that you can get very itchy. Flea bites are not only annoying because of itching but also, they can be dangerous because these can be source of many other infections and parasites. Moreover, scratching these bites can cause secondary infections as well. Therefore, it is advised not to scratch flea bites if at all possible. One of the most obvious questions asked by people in this case is “How many times can one flea bite you?”
Flea Bites
When wondering how many times one can bite you it may be surprising to learn the answer. A fully grown flea can bite its host as many as 400 times per day. More alarming over 70% of fleas bite within their first hour. This means that in their life span of around 100 days a single flea can bite you potentially 40,000 times! Imagine if there are multiple fleas just how many bites, they are capable of! While their preferred host is cats and dogs they will not hesitate to go for a human if need be!
Flea Bite Prevention
Fleas and their attacks can always be prevented if you are just a little cautious. Fleas like to live in a place which is warm and humid. All you need to do is to make sure that these 2 things don’t happen in your home if possible. Off course you can’t control temperature always, but you can surely control level of humidity inside your home. Try using air purifier and de-humidifier indoors.
Outdoors you should keep your grass short by mowing it regularly. Try to plants that are enemies unpleasant to the fleas in your garden such as mint, citrus fruit, cedar wood, basil, lavender, Echinacea, tea tree and many other plants.
Also wash and bathe your pets on regular basis, groom them regularly and don’t allow them in areas where there is heavy grass or damp conditions. Off leash your dog only in well maintained areas where there are less chances of flea attack.
What If I Was Already Bit?
In case you have already fallen prey to flea bites there is no need to worry. Contact your physician for consultation on how to treat the bites. Flea bites can easily be treated and vanish within 2 to 3 days or up to 2 weeks depending upon the sensitivity of one’s skin. Use of antihistamines are good for anti-itching purposes. Use of calamine lotion is also good in this case. You can also use garlic and apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for flea bites. If this is not available oatmeal baths are a good alternative. You can also use extracts of the above-mentioned plants for treatment of flea bites. If you choose to use any of these plants use caution if you are unsure if you are allergic.
Remember, that every treatment has the potential for side effects so consult your doctor before applying any of above-mentioned treatment methods in order to help heal bites.