What repels fleas from a person if they are present? - briefly
Topical repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, along with permethrin‑treated clothing, effectively drive fleas away from a person. Immediate removal is achieved by washing skin and garments with soap and hot water.
What repels fleas from a person if they are present? - in detail
Fleas that have already attached to a human can be driven off by a combination of topical agents, systemic treatments, and environmental measures.
Topical repellents
- Products containing DEET (N,N‑diethyl‑m‑toluamide) at concentrations of 10‑30 % repel fleas for several hours.
- Picaridin (5‑20 %) offers comparable efficacy with a milder odor.
- Permethrin‑treated clothing or sprays (0.5‑1 % concentration) creates a contact insecticide barrier; the chemical remains active after several washes.
- Essential‑oil blends (e.g., citronella, eucalyptus, lavender) provide limited short‑term repellent action; concentrations above 5 % are required for measurable effect.
Systemic options
- Oral ivermectin, prescribed at 200 µg/kg, reduces flea survival on the host for 24‑48 hours.
- Prescription antihistamine creams (e.g., diphenhydramine) may soothe bites but do not repel; they are mentioned for completeness.
Personal hygiene
- Warm shower with soap removes existing fleas and disrupts their grip.
- Frequent laundering of clothing and bedding at ≥60 °C eliminates eggs and larvae.
- Application of a fine‑tooth comb after bathing can extract remaining insects.
Environmental control
- Vacuuming carpets, upholstery, and pet bedding removes adult fleas, eggs, and larvae; discard vacuum bags promptly.
- Apply a residual insecticide spray (e.g., bifenthrin, methoprene) to indoor cracks, baseboards, and pet resting areas; follow label‑specified re‑treatment intervals.
- Treat pets with veterinarian‑approved flea collars, spot‑on treatments, or oral medications to prevent re‑infestation of the human host.
Combined protocol
- Wash and dry all personal textiles at high temperature.
- Shower using a DEET‑based or permethrin‑treated wash product.
- Apply a DEET or picaridin lotion to exposed skin, avoiding eyes and mucous membranes.
- Wear permethrin‑treated garments if prolonged outdoor exposure is anticipated.
- Administer oral ivermectin under medical supervision if infestation persists.
- Conduct a thorough indoor treatment of the living environment and treat resident animals concurrently.
These measures, applied together, remove existing fleas from a person and create a barrier that prevents immediate re‑attachment.