1. Fleas bite us

The cat flea which is the most common flea on both cats and dogs is not averse to biting people if there are no pets around. Fleas usually end up biting people on the lower legs and ankles and most people have some kind of a reaction to the bite, usually itching.

See – How Can I Keep Fleas From Biting Me?

2. Fleas bite our pets

Adult fleas live on the animal, burrowed down in the hairs, and will feed on the pet’s blood every day or two. A heavy flea infestation can debilitate a pet, both physically and emotionally. Unless both the pet and the home are treated, fleas can be a year-round problem.

See – What Attracts Fleas to My Pets?

3. Fleas spread diseases

Fleas were responsible for the deadly plague that killed half of the population of 14^th century Europe. Fleas can be the vectors of typhus, tularemia, and dog tapeworm. The tapeworms can infest people, particularly small children. Pets and children acquire the tapeworms when they swallow an infected flea.

See – Dog Tapeworms Come From Fleas

4. Fleas are high maintenance

People with pets can spend a lot of time and money trying to spare their pets the agony of constant flea irritation. Pets have to be treated regularly by the owner or the veterinarian. On-animal spot treatments are most commonly used. Regular vacuuming is a must to remove flea eggs and flea larvae, and the flea poop that the larvae feed on. Pet bedding must be regularly laundered for the same reason.

See – Are Fleas More of a Problem Than Before?

5. Fleas are hard to get rid of

When there is no animal (or person) to feed on, fleas in their pupal cocoons can remain dormant for up to one year. Even vacant houses can have fleas ready to infest new tenants. People that assume treating the pet will take care of the flea problem soon learn otherwise. Flea larvae don’t live on the pet so unless an exterminator treats the home as well, larvae will mature into adult fleas and reinfest the pet and the premises.

See – How Fleas Survive the Winter in Your Home