Flea Bites...

[Erin]

Ugh.  So I think I have flea-bites on my feet.  About 12 itchy itchy red bumps.

The last time this happened, I was in college and my roomate brought home a stray cat that was INFESTED.  Our apartment was soon infested, but only I was bitten, covered with bites and my roomate had not a ONE!  I'm real allergic apparently.

So I haven't seen any fleas here.  I combed Hershey, I bathed her, I combed her again.  Nothing.  She's not scratching any more than normal doggy scratching.

She has been on Frontline since before we got her (2 years ago) and has had no problems and no fleas.  She's not due for another dose until june 23rd.

Is there something environmentally friendly that anyone suggests?  I really don't want to bomb the house when I haven't even seen any fleas.  I don't want to give her harsh shampoo when I haven't found fleas on her....  But I get paranoid because I remember how quickly they multiply...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm sorry to tell you this, but I had this happen to me 6 years ago, and it took months and multiple bombings to eradicate the fleas. Once the eggs and larva take hold to the point that you yourself are getting bitten, you have no choice. I researched this inside out and backwards, and no herbs, Borax, diatomaceous earth, candles, pans of water, or any of the other "environmentally friendly" treatments had any effect at all.
Put on a pair of white socks and vacuum an area of your home where Hershey sleeps or hangs out. Watch your feet while you do this. You will almost certainly see the fleas, newly hatched from the larva, stimulated by the vibrations. The white socks attract them. You can also wear the white socks out in the yard and you'll most likely see them there, too.
I wish you luck with this. it was one of the worst experiences of my life. Everyone has to be out of the house for hours during the bombings, vacuums and vacuum bags have to be emptied after every use (which is daily) outdoors, all bedding has to be washed constantly, sofa cushions removed & crevices vacuumed, and in my case, we actually had to replace the mattresses. I hope you caught it earlier than I did.

[Erin]

yeah I know the white sock trick.... I've just been too scared to look...

When this happened in college, we had no choice but to MOVE out of our apt, after multiple bombings... ugh.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Erin, is it possible something else is biting you? Maybe when you're outdoors? Have you spent any time in a rented cottage or vacation home recently? They can stay dormant in unoccupied places for a year, and "spring" to life when someone comes in. Vibrations and carbon dioxide "activate" them.
I really hope it isn't fleas!

[Erin]

Oh me too... I assumed for a couple days that it was mosquitos or something cause I was outside in the evenings in our yard all weekend... But they're not going away and they really look like flea bites...

[F, Calla & Luca]

I had flea bites years ago after moving into a new apt. I though the fleas bit up to the knees, though. Maybe you walked through some vegetation with insects? Hope so.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

When I had them, the bites started on my feet, but ended up everywhere...including my stomach. They were in the sofas and beds!

[Melissa]

I was wondering that myself. I have had chigger bites and they are usually clustered around the anlkes. Maybe something to look into. Good luck!

[Erin]

Oh gosh, I'm hoping for Chiggers!

[Kyoko]

The white socks test sounds creepy!!

[Amanda and Quinn]

Yes, there are other options - don't panic yet! My parents live in rural Maine and I've gotten bites there that sound like this, and I know it's not fleas. I'd do the sock test and hopefully you can rule them out.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I am a magnent for bites on my feet - they are from wearing flipflops while walking my dogs in the grassy areas. I know they are not fleas - let us know what happens after the white sock test!

[Erin]

Totally passed the white sock test. Made my husband laugh as I took The Dyson to our downstairs carpet while wearing big white knee-socks. No fleas!

I guess I'll have to look for another culprit.. It could be the ants in the yard? Chiggers?
they are not mosquito bites or spider bites... hmm...