You feel a tiny, itchy bump on your scalp and a sudden sense of dread. After finding fleas on your pet, you might be wondering if these pesky jumpers have decided to make a new home in your hair. It’s a common and unsettling question for any pet owner dealing with an infestation.
The good news is that human hair is not the ideal environment for fleas. While the thought is certainly uncomfortable, these pests have specific preferences that our scalps simply don’t meet. Let’s look at why you’re likely not their first choice for a long-term residence.
Why Fleas Prefer Your Pet Over You
Fleas are built for life on furry hosts. Their bodies are designed to navigate through dense fur, and they lay their eggs there to ensure their offspring have immediate access to a food source. Human hair, by comparison, is much less dense and doesn’t provide the same coverage or ideal conditions for a flea colony to thrive.
More importantly, fleas are species-specific. The most common type of flea, the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), is the one that bothers both cats and dogs. While they will bite humans for a blood meal if their preferred host is unavailable, they do not want to live on us. Our lack of a consistent fur coat makes it difficult for them to stay on and reproduce effectively.
When Fleas Might Be in Your Hair
Just because they don’t want to live there doesn’t mean a flea will never end up in your hair. A flea might jump onto your head from an infested pet or your environment, like your carpet or sofa. It may even bite your scalp before jumping off in search of a more suitable, furry host.
This is different from an infestation, however. An infestation means the fleas are living and breeding on you, which is extremely rare. If you find a flea in your hair, it’s most likely just a temporary visitor.
What to Do If You Suspect Fleas
If you’re experiencing bites on your scalp or find a flea in your hair, the first step is not to panic. A simple, thorough wash with your regular shampoo and conditioner will be enough to remove any fleas. They cannot hold on against the suds and water.
The real solution lies in treating the source. Focus your efforts on your pet and your home. Wash all pet bedding and any soft furnishings in hot water, vacuum carpets and furniture thoroughly, and ensure your pet is on a veterinarian-recommended flea control program. By eliminating the infestation at its source, you’ll solve the problem for both your pet and your home.