Fleas are little insects that feed on human and animal blood. They bite people, and that is how they get their meal. You can feel your skin getting irritated, and it can get pretty uncomfortable as well. In Salt Lake City, coming across such pests is pretty easy, and you may find them infest your homes as well.
These little insects can also carry germs that can get transmitted to your body or to your pet’s body. It can result in plague, flea-borne typhus, etc. More than two thousand species of fleas are present in the world, and around two hundred to three hundred species are found solely in the United States.
Not all species result in diseases; only a few affect humans’ health. However, if you notice their activity in your home, it is better if you get rid of them as soon as you can. They can be pretty annoying and can result in various diseases, as discussed before.
Cat fleas, dog fleas, and squirrel fleas are some of the fleas that are known to affect human health. Since they are tiny in size, they can get inside homes really easily. More information can be obtained by checking the website.
What are the different diseases caused by fleas in the United States?
These little insects are capable of causing many diseases in humans. Let us look at some of them below:
-
Murine typhus
Cat fleas are responsible for spreading this disease. Oriental rat fleas are also responsible for the same.
-
Plague
Ground squirrel fleas are responsible for spreading this disease. If these fleas are infected, they can transmit the disease to humans through their bite. If you do not handle the animal infected with plague, you will increase the chance of the disease spreading to other people.
-
Cat scratch disease
This disease can be spread to humans through the scratch of cats (domestic and feral cats). Ctenocephalides felis fleas are responsible for spreading the disease.
The germ that leads to the disease is present in the feces of the fleas. It then gets transmitted to humans through a cat’s scratch. This disease takes place wherever you see fleas and cats.
There are some parasites, such as tapeworms, that can be transmitted to people if they swallow the fleas that were infected by accident. Younger children are more prone to developing diseases and getting infected.
It is because they spend more time on the ground and stay near carpets, too. Most people will not even be able to tell if they have tapeworms, as the symptoms are not so apparent.
How does the disease spread to humans?
The transmission of disease happens when the fleas feed on the host. It can be through fecal contamination. If the contaminated flea feces get scratched into a wound, it can result in the disease. Fleas are more attracted to animals and usually prefer to bite animals.
However, they can turn to humans when animals are not around. Fleas that are in their adult stage are attracted to the body heat. Movement can also be an attraction for them. Breathing is another attractive thing to them.
What are the signs of fleas?
There are various signs that show you have fleas. We will look at some of those things:
- You notice your pet dog or cat scratching themselves. You may notice your cat biting their ears, or the same with your pet dog.
- You may see them. However, they are tiny, and you will have to use a microscope to spot them. However, if they are on some light fur, you may notice them.
- Noticing flea dirt that they leave behind. It looks somewhat like pepper. You can see it on your pet’s fur or skin.
Get fleas out!
It is essential you get rid of them. Contact a professional to know what you can do. They can help with the elimination by employing different techniques and methods.
