Fleas usually attack cats and dogs, leading to itching that can make your pets' life miserable. But that’s not all; when these parasites can't reach pets to suck blood, they will switch to humans. When bitten by fleas, you may develop small bumps that are similar to mosquito bites but have hard spots in the middle. They are always so itchy that you just have to scratch. 

How to Stop Flea Bites from Itching

Fleas bite humans on exposed areas such as ankles, legs and feet. If you become their victim, you can stop the itching in the following ways:

• Wash the affected area with water.
• Put an icepack or bag of frozen veggies on the area.
• If the itching is severe, take an antihistamine.
• Apply some lotion, cream or gel containing aloe vera.
• Apply calamine lotion.
• Apply witch hazel, a herbal remedy, using a ball of cotton wool.
• Cool some used tea bags and put them on the itching area to reduce the inflammation and swelling.
• Avoid scratching; otherwise germs trapped under the nails might get into the bitten area, worsening the condition.
• Apply 1% hydrocortisone cream to reduce swelling and relieve itching.
• Baking soda is a remedy for many problems, including itching flea bites. Mix baking powder with some water to make a paste. Apply to the affected area and the itch will go within minutes.
• Use lemon juice on the bite area to kill the itch and clean affected skin. This is one of the best remedies for how to stop flea bites from itching.
• Combine basil and lavender oil to reduce the inflammation and ease itching.
• Take a warm (not hot) bath containing oatmeal solution to calm the itching. You can get oatmeal solution at health stores or chemists.  
• Wash the bite site with antiseptic soap and cool water. You can also apply antiseptic lotion to soothe the itching.
• Mix one part apple cider vinegar and two parts water in a glass and place the solution in the refrigerator to cool it. Once cool, pour some into gauze and apply to the affected area to stop the itching from flea bites.
• Heat 4 tbsp honey, and then combine it with 2 tbsp lemon juice. Let the mixture cool; then apply it to the affected area using gauze.

How to Get Rid of Flea from Your Home

On how to stop flea bites from itching, getting rid of fleas from your home is the best way to prevent the bites from happening.

1.     Treat Your Pets for Fleas

There are many flea treatment options available for use on your pets. The products are either oral or topical and include the following:

Oral products

• ŸCapstar
• ŸComfortis
• ŸProgram

Topical products

• ŸRevolution
• ŸFrontline Plus
• ŸFrontline Topspot
• ŸAdvantage

For best results, treat your pets regularly; once every one or several months. Consult your pets' veterinarian for advice on the best product.  

2.     Eliminate Fleas from Your House

Once you treat your pets for fleas, it’s time to turn your attention to your house. Remember that the fleas on your pets can jump off and get into the carpet where they lay eggs. Make sure that you clean the carpet, seats and other furniture, and then apply an appropriate flea treatment product.

As you do this, follow these steps:

• ŸWash all pet bedding items as well as rugs. Set the washing machine to the hottest possible water temperature.
• ŸVacuum and beat carpets to remove any fleas, eggs and larva hiding in the carpet pile. Move the furniture around to reach and clean all corners.
• ŸVacuum and clean upholstered furniture to ensure any fleas or eggs harboring in them are destroyed.
• ŸIf the flea infestation is serious, vacuum as much of your home as possible and apply effective flea treatment.

3.     Remove Fleas from Your Yard

Do you have a yard where your pets spend time playing or resting? Then you need to treat it for fleas; otherwise fleas hiding in the yard will re-infect your pets. 

• ŸApply a pesticide such as Flea Away, taking care that it won’t harm your pets.
• ŸSpread cedar wood shavings where your pets sleep or play.
• ŸIntroduce beneficial nematodes in your yard. The tiny worms will kill the fleas in the long term.
• ŸKeep your yard foliage trimmed and the lawn mown so that fleas have nowhere to hide.
• ŸSulfur granules spread throughout the yard followed by watering can get rid of fleas.

4.     Get Rid of Fleas from Your Car

Though how to stop flea bites from itching is important, you can prevent flea bites in the first place. ŸEven as you clean and treat your pet and home, don’t forget to do the same for the car. Remember that fleas can get into the car by either riding on a pet or on you.

• ŸGet throw covers and blankets washed in water to kill fleas and destroy their eggs.
• ŸUse flea spray inside the car, paying attention to cracks, corners and edges, under seats and floor mats. Leave the spray on for one hour before you wipe it away.
• ŸVacuum the car thoroughly and empty the vacuum cleaner soon after, so that any vacuumed eggs don’t go on to hatch into new fleas.
• ŸUse a leave-in product to dust or spray the carpets. Eucalyptus or lemon sprays as well as cedar oil are perfect choices that repel fleas and give your car a fresh smell.

5.     Check for Fleas and Retreat as Needed

Once you have treated the pets, home, car and yard, beware that fleas can re-infest. Here’s how to find and exterminate new flea infestation:

• Buy a lint roller to check for evidence of fleas on your clothes after holding your cat or dog.
• Get a flea comb and use it to comb your pet and search for fleas, their eggs, larvae or dirt in the fur. Tap the comb onto a white sheet of paper to examine its contents more closely.  

These flea control methods are effective for most flea infestations. However, if you are faced with a more serious flea problem, consider getting services of a pest control professional.