Fleas prefer dog and cat hosts but in the absence of a preferred host will use humans or other available animals as a host. Pet owners may not be bothered by fleas until their pet is away for an extended period of time and the fleas, in the absence of their normal host, begin to bite the owners.
Bites frequently occur around the waist, ankles, armpits, and in the bend of the elbows and knees.
Prevention may not be possible in all cases. Use of insecticides may be helpful if fleas are common in your area. Professional extermination may be necessary in some cases. No testing is necessary. The objective of treatment is to break the flea life cycle by treating the home, the pets, and the outside environment with insecticide .