Fleas are small, but extremely unpleasant blood-sucking parasites that cause a lot of inconvenience not only to animals, but also to people.
How to recognize the bites of these insects?
The appearance of the parasite
Fleas are very different from other bloodsuckers in their appearance. Their length is about 3-5 mmtherefore, it is difficult to notice these insects. The body is slightly oblong and rounded, increasing to the rear. Boca slightly flattened.
These parasites very strong chitin shelltherefore it is difficult to crush them. The most common color is black or brown. These bloodsuckers have three pairs of legs, the longest and strongest ones being the hind legs, with their help adult individuals can jump up to half a meter.
The entire parasite is covered with small bristles.. The head has a round shape, slightly flattened. On it are two eyes and two antennae. The mouth of the insect is practically invisible. It looks like a tiny proboscis, on which powerful jaws are located.
How does the bite occur?
Fleas feed only on blood. There are several types of parasites, but people are more likely to be bitten by the human, feline, and canine varieties. Many believe that they live on the skin or in wool, but it is not. These insects live near to the person in secluded corners (rugs and various rags especially love), in the same place they breed.
When an adult is hungry, she jumps on a person, finds the most subtle place on the skin, pierces it and feeds on blood. After the parasite is fed, it immediately leaves the human body.
Symptoms
Flea bites are like allergies or wounds from other bloodsuckers. The first step is to examine the affected area: fleas, unlike other parasites, do not one, but two punctures in the skin. Here are the main symptoms of such bites:
- acute pain occurs during the bite itself (as if the skin was pierced with a needle);
- swelling and very severe itching after biting, later the affected place may bleed;
- mostly bites occur on the legs (knees, feet, ankles) and waist, less often - on the armpits;
- punctures can be a couple of centimeters apart (one individual bites the skin in several places).
Next you will see a photo of flea bites on a person:
Why don't fleas bite everyone?
These insects do not bite everyone. At risk are people who have very thin and delicate skin. It is believed that parasites attract a certain blood group (scientists assume that fleas love the first group more), but this is not the only factor. People who have a body temperature above normal, these bloodsuckers bite more often. Also insects can attract the smell of sweat.
Flea bites are extremely unpleasant and painful, in addition, they carry a certain danger to man. Be sure to take these parasites out of the house, regularly treat their pets from them.
