Flea repellent for humans?… You might not know this, but you can be attacked by fleas too!
While fleas are known to be more problematic for pets than humans, we can still become a victim of their bites. After all, fleas are blood-sucking insects, and we are also warm-blooded mammals just like our pet cats and dogs.
But don’t fleas like a hairy environment? You might ask.
Now, it is true fleas aren’t too common in humans because of the lack of body hair. But ‘not common’ doesn’t mean it’s not possible for fleas to cling to your body.
How do humans get fleas?
Nine times out of ten, we get flea bites because of our pets being infected. When your pet becomes a target of a flea infestation, they start functioning as a carrier. So, you need to battle the fleas while also protecting your house from future pest problems in the form of unhatched eggs and larvae.
Plus, not only can flea eggs and larvae are able to hide in your pet’s fur; they can also be buried in furniture, thick carpeting and fleas can live in your car. Moreover, fleas can live in your backyard and suck blood from other outdoor animals. They can also find a source of food in your neighbor’s yard.
Do I have fleas?
It might be possible you have fleas, especially if a pet has them, and if you’re experiencing bites.
There are three kinds of fleas; human fleas, dog fleas, and cat fleas. Human fleas appear to be quite similar to the other kinds of fleas. However, the human flea is not too discriminating when it comes to the species it sucks blood from. Apart from humans, these also feast on bats, rats, rodents, birds, monkeys, cats, and dogs.
In general, fleas have a tear-shaped body, and adult fleas can measure anywhere from 1 mm to 4 mm in length. They are wingless, and their hind legs are very long, and they have a black or dark brown color. The only difference in human fleas and other fleas is the number of mouth bristles; however, these can’t be noticed with the naked eye so differentiating between the different kinds is difficult.
Where do fleas hide?
As mentioned earlier, fleas love to live in dark, moist, and warm places. One perfect example is socks.
For a flea to survive, humidity is essential. Eggs must live in areas where the humidity levels are between 70%-75%. Meanwhile, flea larva must live in areas with 50% humidity levels. When fleas get the optimum humidity levels, 20% of them become mature adults and lay more eggs, thus making your infestation bigger.
Pupae, larva, and eggs hide in cracks and carpets between the tiles on the floor. Flea eggs don’t have a sticky substance which is needed to keep them latched on the host. As a result, they fall off the host and into the bed, couch, or your carpet.
Moreover, since flea larva eats the feces of mature fleas as well as other decrements on the ground, you will also find larva on the ground, in the carpet, as well. The larva can also be present between the tiles where they can find a food supply.
Flea bites on humans
| Flea Bites |
|
|---|---|
| Bites | Series of red bites (in exposed area) Small bites surrounded by red halo |
| Bite Duration | Up to one week |
| Symptoms | Itchiness Discomfort |
| Remedy | Natural Oils & Repellents |
Symptoms of flea bites on humans
Similar to bed bug bites, flea bites appear either in clusters or large groups. Some people are quite sensitive to such bites and are at risk of getting particular kind of hives which look like many red bubbles or bumps clustered together on the bitten areas.
The actual bite from the flea itself isn’t itchy. However, the saliva that the flea injects into the body is what makes it itch. Excessive itching of flea bites can lead to an infection. Sometimes these bites can also appear in a line. They are very small and have a central red spot. The bites also often form a small scab which is surrounded by a light red halo.
If you got fleas from your pet cat or dog, then you will see the bites often below the knee as it’s an easy target. In most cases, the bites start from the ankles and then move upwards since the fleas are close to the ground. You might also see flea bites on your forearms if you have held or stroked your pet.
If the bites are not controlled, then the fleas can spread all over the body and bite at any place, particularly on people that have dense hair on their chest and legs.
Allergies to flea bites
Humans that have been bitten by fleas can suffer from allergic reactions because of the flea saliva. The condition is called flea allergy dermatitis and can take up to a day to occur.
In the worst case, people are known to react dangerously to flea bites. They have even gone into anaphylactic shock; however, it’s not something to worry about too much since it occurs quite rarely.
Due to the allergy, one can experience chest pain, nausea, swelling of the tongue and lips, dizziness, and difficulty in breathing. Other allergic reactions include:
Hives Rash
How to get rid of fleas
There are two basic methods of getting rid of fleas. You can either use insect repellent sprays, or you can use home remedies.
Top 5 Flea Repellent for Humans (Products)
| Product model | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
Repel Insect Repellent | 4.5 | |
3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent | 4.7 | |
Avon Aloe Vera Spray Pump | 4.1 | |
Bugs BeGone Insect Repellent | 3.8 | |
Natural Oils Insect Repellent | 4.0 |
1. Repel Insect Repellent
With Repel Insect Repellent, you can enjoy effective and long-lasting protection. The spray promises hours of protection not only from mosquitos, but also from fleas, sand flies, no-see-ums, chiggers, gnats, black flies, and ticks.
Offers a range of protection from pests and insects such as fleas, mosquitoes, ticks, and more!
This flea repellent for humans is non-greasy, plus resists perspiration as well. It has particularly been developed for active outdoor enthusiasts like ballplayers, joggers, hikers, bikers, golfers, hunters, fishers, backpackers, and campers.
Apart from being effective against fleas, Repel insect repellent also repels mosquitos that carry the West Nile, Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya viruses. It can last for up to 8 hours and has 40% DEET, making it pretty effective.
• Offers long-lasting protection.
• Is non-greasy.
• Can be used for outdoor activities.
2. 3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent
Another great choice for getting rid of fleas is the 3M Ultrathon lotion. It contains 34.34% DEET which provides excellent protection against insect bites. It repels a number of insects including mosquitos, deer ticks, chikungunya, dengue, zika, and West Nile virus.
This light-feeling lotion is perfect for use, both out and indoor!
The lotion comes with a unique time-release technology that provides long-lasting protection. Meanwhile, the controlled release technology offers a constant protection shield which lasts up to 12 hours.
Since it comes with time release protection, this means that DEET takes time to evaporate, thus providing protection for a longer period. This lotion is all about offering you the perfect mix of long-lasting protection and DEET concentration. It’s also sweat and splash resistant so that you stay protected while enjoying your outdoor activities.
• Features time-release technology for lasting protection.
• Doesn’t feel heavy on the skin.
• Doesn’t smell strong.
3. Avon Aloe Vera Spray Pump
The Avon Aloe Vera repellent comes with Picardin which is an effective ingredient that’s used in place of DEET. Picardin has a low odor as well as a light and clean feel. The spray is also enhanced with vitamin E and provides protection against insects for up to 8 hours.
Uses Picardin instead of DEET for lighter-feeling application!
Not only does the Avon spray provide dependable and strong repellency against mosquitos, but it also works against biting midges, sand flies, fleas, gnats, and no-see-ums. Moreover, the pump spray is easy to apply and can be carried around wherever you go to ensure complete protection.
• Easy to apply.
• Has Picardin instead of DEET.
• Doesn’t have a strong odor.
4. Bugs BeGone Insect Repellent
The Bugs BeGone insect repellent is a DEET-free natural repellent which consists of six different oils that have an attractive and pleasing aroma. These oils have the ability to keep insects away effectively. It’s also effective against those mosquitos that might carry the West Nile virus as well as deer ticks that can cause Lyme’s disease.
A great flea and another insect-repelling natural choice!
Unlike Mosquito killers, The essential oils are combined in such a way that their effectiveness is magnified. They are then mixed with water, polysorbate, and aloe vera. Apart from keeping you safe from mosquitos, this insect repellent repels ticks, chiggers, and ants as well. It’s also an excellent flea repellent for humans.
The Bugs BeGone insect repellent has an easy and quick travel-sized bottle that you can use to get rid of those annoying creatures anywhere and at any time. The repellent doesn’t stain clothes or leave the skin feeling greasy. This spay, being DEET free, has a fresh and sweet lemon-like fragrance.
• Makes use of natural oils.
• Has a very pleasant smell.
• An effective natural flea-repelling choice.
5. Natural Oils Insect Repellent
This Synergy Blend has a natural mixture of effective oils. This unique blend of essential oils repels not only fleas, but also other creatures including ticks, chiggers, ants, and mosquitos.
The unique essential oil blend offers effective yet light-feeling application!
The oils present in the mixture include citronella, catnip, peppermint, eucalyptus citriodora, and rosemary essential oil. While on its own, each of the different oils used in this blend are an effective repellent, however, when they are combined, they are able to repel a wide variety of insects.
The oils are mixed in a perfect proportion which means that this repellent has a pleasant, citrusy smell.
With this flea repellent for humans, you would no longer have to experience the annoyance and discomfort that comes with bugs while enjoying the delightful smell.
• Made of natural essential oils.
• Has a very pleasant smell.
• Offers effective protection.
Top 4 Flea Repellent For Humans (Home-remedies)
You should know that there are numerous home remedies which can be used for getting rid of fleas. These home remedies are as effective as insect repellents are when it comes to eliminating fleas.
Want to know more?
Here are the best 4 home remedies for killing fleas.
1. Eucalyptus Citriodora
This oil contains such a natural chemical which repels fleas.
Here is how you can use the oil for fleas:
2.Catnip oil
Catnip is a strong herb, well known for its numerous benefits. Research suggests that this herb is ten times more effective than DEET for repelling insects including fleas. Use it to make a spray and use it around the house.
Here is how to make a spray:
3. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is considered to be a multipurpose flea control remedy. It’s effective and safe to use as a flea repellent for humans as well.
4. Rosemary Water
Another natural solution that you can easily use to kill fleas is rosemary water.
You only need to follow the steps below to get rid of these pesky creatures:
Wrapping up
You can become susceptible to fleas, usually, when you come into contact with a flea-infested pet. While flea bites are not painful, they are extremely itchy and can be easily spotted as small red dots surrounded by a halo.
Getting rid of fleas along with their larva and eggs is a tough job; however, it can be easily done using a mixture of essential oils sprayed, especially by using peppermint oil, around the house or a reliable commercial flea repellent for humans.
