Are you wondering can fleas live in human hair? No, most fleas will not live in or on human hair; they are host-specific parasites. To be host-specific, an organism must depend on a specific host in order to exist and reproduce.
Though they cannot survive on human hair for an extended period of time, fleas can spread diseases and cause allergies. How to get rid of fleas in your hair is covered in the article that comes after.
Let’s take a look.
Can Fleas Live on Human Hair?
Fleas do not prefer to live on human hair; they cannot complete their lifecycle on human blood. Living off of human hair is therefore not advantageous for them. If you notice insects crawling through your hair, you may have lice problems. Here is more information on how long lice can survive on bedding.
However, there is one flea (Pulex irritans ) called the “human flea,” and even though this flea is nicknamed “the human flea,” it does not live on human hair. Furthermore, the Pulex irritans fleas we frequently find in areas where pets and other animals live near humans.
Additionally, Pulex irritans will jump onto the host to feed; then, after they bite, they’ll bounce back off and into the comforts of your home.
As a result, you can find them nearby the host’s immediate habitat rather than on the host itself. If you see “fleas in bed signs,” you’ll need to begin a long and arduous treatment plan.
How Do You Know If You Have Fleas in Your Hair?
Fleas found in human hair can lead to the following symptoms:
- Simply because they have developed an immunity to flea bites, some people do not experience any allergic reactions after being bitten by a flea.
- Fleas typically hide in the hair of other human victims and bite the host’s neck or scalp. This might cause excruciating itching.
- There may be red welts and bumps on the human skin where fleas have bitten. These can be extremely itchy and typically last for two to three days. Scratching the bites may result in pus-filled blisters that are more difficult to treat.
Why Do You Have Fleas Living in Your Hair?
Human blood does not provide fleas with optimal nutrition, but that will not stop them from biting you.
In the absence of domestic animals or pets, fleas can and will feed on the skin of humans.
While flea larvae are molting and transitioning from one life cycle stage to the next, discarded skin cells make the perfect food for them.
How to Treat Fleas in Human Hair?
So how to get rid of fleas on human hair? You can test out the following techniques.
- Shampoo: Fleas from the hair roots are removed with shampoo. Allow your hair to sit for two to three minutes after gently massaging the shampoo into it. To get rid of fleas from your hair, you can also use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers.
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree essential oil can help prevent flea infestation by being added to shampoo. Historically, the oil has been applied to carpets, couches, and other surfaces to get rid of fleas. Tea tree oil may be useful for controlling fleas, according to research.
- Baking Soda: For the treatment of fleas in human hair, use this organic, non-toxic method.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: It is generally accepted that rinsing your hair with ACV can aid in flea eradication. Utilizing a spray bottle, combine the ACV and water in a 1:1 ratio and apply to your hair. 15 minutes later, wash your hair with warm water after leaving this on. In addition to easing itching, this remedy may also do so.
Make an appointment with a doctor if your symptoms don’t improve despite these remedies. You can take these precautions after treating the fleas in your hair to stop them from returning.
For more hair care tips, please keep reading:
How to Prevent Fleas?
Here are some tips you can use to prevent fleas.
- There’s a chance that you have infected animals in your care. To get rid of any fleas or ticks, give them a bath using a shampoo that has been specially formulated for animals. Wear gloves when bathing your pet for your own protection. A severe infestation would require a veterinarian’s guidance for effective treatment.
- Wash your clothes, towels, pillows, linens, and other household items. Wash all of your pet’s mats, beds, and toys as well.
- Put your hats, accessories, and headwear in the sun for a few hours to clean them. Tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar can also be sprayed on surfaces to get rid of fleas.
- The rugs, couches, curtains, and carpets should all be vacuumed. In case of severe infestation, contact pest control.
- Close or clean up any open trash cans near your house because they could also be a source of flea infestation.
Conclusion: Can Fleas Live in Human Hair?
So in short, can fleas live in human hair?
No, fleas are unlike lice and do not live on a human scalp. Despite what you may have heard, these annoying creatures do not agree with the pH balance on our skin and hair.
On our scalps, they won’t therefore discover a favorable environment for reproduction. Take heart, exhale a sigh of relief, and enjoy your hair free of fleas!
Read More: Is Dry Shampoo Bad for Your Hair?
FAQs
How Long Do Fleas Live on Humans?
Because our hair is too thin for them to survive in for very long, fleas cannot survive in it.
Can Fleas Lay Eggs in Human Hair?
On your scalp, fleas do not lay their eggs. These insects can only reproduce on particular animals, like cats and dogs.
Does Vinegar Kill Fleas in Human Hair?
Yes, apple cider vinegar is naturally acidic, and this characteristic aids in the destruction of flea eggs as well as the production of acidic hair and scalp, which are toxic to fleas.
