4 Diseases Spread By Fleas (and How to Keep Them Out of Your Home!)

Fleas are tiny, annoying insects that feed on blood. Beyond itchy bites, fleas can transmit serious diseases to people and pets. In the U.S., only a few flea species are common, but they can spread numerous infections and parasites. Discover these common diseases spread by fleas.

Plague

The plague is a historically infamous disease spread to humans by infected fleas. Human cases are rare in the U.S. and most often occur in rural western states, but the disease can be severe if untreated.

Murine (Flea-Borne) Typhus

Murine typhus is transmitted when infected fleas bite humans, or their feces are scratched into wounds. It causes fever, headache, rash, and muscle aches.

Cat Scratch Disease

Fleas can transmit Bartonella henselae among cats. When an infected cat scratches or bites a person, the bacteria can enter the skin and cause symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, fever, and fatigue.

Tapeworms

Pets (especially dogs and cats) can ingest fleas infected with tapeworm larvae while grooming. The tapeworm larvae then develop into adult parasites in the pet's intestines. Young children are at a higher risk of accidentally swallowing infected fleas, which can lead to tapeworm infections.

How Fleas Get Into Your Home

Fleas hitch rides on animals. Wildlife, such as raccoons or rodents, carry fleas on their bodies. When these animals come close to or invade homes and businesses, fleas may find new hosts, including household pets. Once in your home, fleas lay eggs that fall into carpets, bedding, and cracks, allowing infestations to grow rapidly.

Safeguard Your Home Against Wildlife and Fleas

Preventing wildlife from accessing your rooflines, attics, and walls is a key to cutting off fleas at the source. Critter Guard offers humane wildlife control products that help keep animals, such as squirrels, rats, and other critters, from entering your property and creating pest problems.

Keeping fleas at bay isn't just about comfort. Contact Critter Guard today to learn more about proper wildlife exclusion and pest prevention and reducing the risk of flea-borne diseases in and around your home.