In addition to the chemical makeup, other people believe that fleas are simply attracted to some scents more than others. This is why they might prefer a certain individual due to their natural body scent, sweat, and/or the products they apply to their skin, such as soaps, shower gels, deodorants, etc.
Fleas are not attracted to some people, but other people are highly susceptible. Additionally, some people in flea-infested households may experience severe irritation from flea bites while others show no signs. Fleas bite people most often on the legs and ankles.
Insects Love “O” Blood Type
The interesting thing is that some blood types emit more heat and carbon dioxide than others. Humans that are from the “O” blood type are hunted by parasites.
Some humans are resistant to or immune to flea bites. They can live with the fleas and not even be aware of them. But most people are very sensitive to flea bites. Flea bites are most likely to be found on the legs, feet and ankles of people in flea-infested areas.
Young children also have soft skin which is easier to bite through. Fleas cannot fly, but they are known for being able to leap huge distances in relation to their size. Kids playing on the floor are therefore an irresistible choice for a quick meal.
I did some research on this and all I could find in the literature is that fleas generally prefer dogs and cats, will bite humans and seem to prefer some people over others.
Other theories suggest that chemical composition can affect flea attraction. Similar to how mosquitoes react to different people, skin secretions and the emission of gases may alert fleas to a more satiating meal in one person than in another, or alert the fleas of their presence quicker.
Try Lemon Tonic.
Lemon juice is a known flea repellant. If you dilute the juice with water and put it in a spray bottle, it's safe to use on yourself, and even your kids.
While Apple Cider Vinegar does not kill fleas, it may repel them because fleas dislike its smell and taste. One of the most simple ways to use this natural flea repellent is to make a solution out of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water.
Fleas are most attracted to the colors red, blue, and black. Yellow and white targets attract the fewest fleas. Cat fleas are also drawn to sources of light.
Fleas Prefer Areas That are Shady, Moist, and Humid
The truth is, most pets become infested with fleas when roaming outside. There is mixed information in terms of whether fleas live in the grass, but most researchers agree that fleas do prefer outdoor areas that are shady, moist, and humid.
It's not unusual for fleas to attack just one person in the household. The fleas can cause itchy welts on exposed skin for several weeks or even months. A severe allergic reaction may even lead to secondary infections. If a flea bite is not treated right away, the reaction can become persistent.
Cat or dog fleas will jump from pets, carpets, bedding or furnishings to feed. Immediate awareness - A flea bite is usually felt immediately, with a single flea often biting two or three times in the same area.
While adult fleas all suck blood from a cat or dog or other mammal, their larvae live and feed on organic debris in the host animal's environment. Flea larvae are blind. If you happen to see one flea, there may be more than 100 offspring or adults looming nearby in furniture, corners, cracks, carpet or on your pet.
Possible Explanations for the Flea Biting Preference
The first and most common theory that a lot of people stand behind is the individual differences between the chemical makeups of human skins. In other words, different skin reactions, as well as the levels of gases, differs between humans depending on their genes.
Due to the high body temperature of fleas, they cannot stay long on humans. They cannot breed on humans too, so they need to find animal hosts or else, they cannot increase in numbers. Studies have shown that female cat fleas can stay on humans for only 7.4 minutes, and male cat fleas can only stay for 4.4 minutes.
Fleas can cause many problems than itching alone. Your pet's constant scratching may lead to visible patches of hair loss and reddened, irritated skin that can cause infection. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms.
There isn't any conclusive evidence that fleas bite women more than men. The primary attraction cues are light, movement, and heat. Thus, it seems unlikely that host gender plays much of a role. While not directly related to fleas, a NY Times article explored the common claim that mosquitoes prefer women over men.
“Fleas cannot live on people,” Dr. Bonk told The Dodo. “Fleas like the dark and warm confines of hair or fur, and people just simply don't have enough of these to keep them happy. But that doesn't mean that they don't jump over from your dog and try to test out how hospitable a person's body might be.”
Fleas are attracted to light, movement, heat, and CO2 because these elements help them find suitable hosts to feed on. Being able to use these as tools against them is a good way to help get your flea infestation under control.
Well, none other than eucalyptus, of course! In addition to its calming properties, eucalyptus can repel bugs. Eucalyptus is so powerful that it can kill fleas and repel them, making it a worthy tool in your arsenal during every step of the process of treating a flea problem.
The human flea prefers the blood of humans and pigs. Cat and dog fleas prefer cats and dogs, though children can become infested when pets sleep or rest on the same bed. Cat and dog fleas also will infest certain types of wild carnivores, including opossums and raccoons, but not squirrels, rats or mice.
Bite frequency
Fleas bite whenever they get the chance. Bed bugs tend to feed every 3 days and may be more likely to feed at night. People who have bed bugs in their home may notice a regular pattern to bites.