Can humans get fleas?

Yes, humans can get fleas, though fleas prefer animals like dogs and cats as hosts, and cat fleas are the most common flea species that bite humans. Fleas do not live on humans permanently like lice, they live on pets and in environment such as carpets, pet bedding, rugs, and cracks, and they jump onto humans to feed on blood for short time then jump off to hide and lay eggs in environment. Humans get fleas when they have pets that are infested and bring fleas indoors, when they walk through infested areas like tall grass, animal bedding, or homes with heavy infestation, and fleas detect body heat, carbon dioxide, and vibrations and jump onto ankles and legs. Flea bites on humans appear as small, red, itchy bumps often in clusters or lines on ankles, lower legs, and areas where clothing is tight, and some people have allergic reactions. While humans can get fleas biting them, fleas do not infest human hair or live on human bodies long term, and they cannot complete life cycle on humans alone without pets. Children are more susceptible to bites when playing on floors. To prevent humans getting fleas, treat pets with veterinarian approved flea preventative, wash pet bedding and your bedding weekly in hot water and dry on high heat, vacuum home regularly including carpets and furniture, and treat yard and home if infestation is heavy. If bites persist, see doctor.