Can pet fleas live on human hair?

By Sarah
- September 11, 2024
- 3 MIN READ

Table of Contents

Where can fleas live?

Can fleas live on human hair?

How to get rid of fleas

How to prevent fleas

Fleas – the tiny but an absolute nightmare critters that can turn your nice, peaceful household into a fest of itching and scratching. Fleas might be small in size, but they pack a punch when it comes to disrupting our comfort for us and our pets. Turns out they can hitch a ride not just on our pet's fur, but on our locks too... Scroll to find out how to get rid of fleas for good!

Where can fleas live?

Fleas are incredibly adaptable creatures and can thrive in lots of different environments. Whilst we think of them as an issue with furry pets like cats and dogs, fleas aren't exactly picky about where they hang out. They can be lurking in carpets, bedding, upholstery, and definitely in outdoor areas. Flea eggs, larvae, and pupae can also hide in cracks and crevices as they favour the darker areas of our homes. This can make it a bit of a challenge to eradicate a flea infestation completely, but don't worry Itch has got you!

Can fleas live on human hair?

The short answer is... yes, they can.

While fleas prefer the warm and cozy fur of pets, they won't hesitate to take a detour onto human hair if given the opportunity. Fleas are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide (which humans emit) making our heads a potential target for these persistent pests.

However, it's important to note that fleas typically prefer animals over humans. Human hair lacks the density and warmth that fleas crave for breeding and feeding. So fleas may hitch a ride on human hair temporarily, until they find a better place to jump to.

How to get rid of fleas

Found a flea? – whether through your pet or other means – stick to these steps to say bye, bye to fleas:

Treat your pets

Start by treating your furry friend with a flea control product such as spot-on treatment. Itch Flea Treatment for Dogs and Itch Flea Treatment for Cats is scientifically proven and vet-recommended for protecting your pet against fleas, killing all adult fleas on your pet within 24 hours.
Monitor and care for your pet. Keep an eye out for fleas or flea dirt on your pet's fur. Regular grooming is a good way to stay on top of these pesky parasites as it will remove any dead fleas and eggs nestled in your pet's fur.
Treat your home

Treat your home with control products that are designed to zap fleas in your environment, such as sprays, powders, or foggers (make sure they are pet friendly). Up to 95% of fleas actually live in your environment and not on your pet, so prioritise treating your home as much as your furball.
Need to get the big guns out? Try the Itch Flea Home Spray to eliminate all adult fleas from your home for up 2 months after one use, and put a halt to the development of flea eggs and larvae for up to 12 months.
Clean everywhere!

Cleaning is your best friend when it comes to combating fleas. Be sure to hoover carpets, rugs, upholstery, and any other areas where fleas may be lurking. Dispose of all the gunk collected immediately to stop fleas from re-infesting your home.
Wash yours and your pet's bedding on a 60 degree wash, as well as any other washable items that might have fleas on them.

How to prevent fleas

Prevention is key when it comes to keeping fleas out FOR GOOD! Here are some tips to help minimise the risk of a flea infestation in your home:

Use flea preventatives: Dr Zoe Costigan (BVSc, BSc (Hons), CERT, AVP, MRCVS), Head Vet at Itch, recommends keeping your pet on year-round flea preventatives like the Itch Flea Treatment for Dogs and Itch Flea Treatment for Cats because these pesky pests can attack whatever the weather, not just in Peak Flea season.
Keep cleaning: Try keeping up a regular cleaning routine, especially into the colder months. As our heating gets blasted back on, the flea pupae that has lied dormant in your home from summer will hatch and hop onto your pet. Constant hoover vibrations will help hatch these fleas early and you can kill them fast!
When cleaning pay special attention to areas where your pet spend time, like the curtain they like to snooze under or behind the sofa where they hide their favourite toy.
Keep your garden flea free: There's lots you can do to minimise your chance of getting fleas, here's some ideas:
- Spray your garden with pet-friendly flea repellents.
- Keep your grass cut short.
- Grow plants that ward off fleas, like Mint or Catnip.
- Remove any rubbish where fleas may like to gather.
Eyes open, ears perked: Get into a habit of checking your pet for fleas, look out for excessive scratching or visible flea dirt. Spotting fleas early can prevent a minor flea problem turning into a full-blown infestation.

So fleas might prefer of floofy friends, but given the chance they might hop on human hair. Be ready for when they do. Protect your pet and your home with flea preventatives.

If you do get unlucky and need support on a flea infestation, we are here to help! Contact our friendly and qualified Vet Team for advice on getting rid of pesky pests.

Don't let fleas hop onto your hair!

Fleas can be a nightmare but with monthly flea preventative treatment, you can be one hop ahead of their every move. Itch Flea kills all adult fleas on your pet within 24 hours, halts all other flea life stages and stops any new fleas from joining the party. Plus it also kills ticks and biting lice!

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