Many of us are well aware of the flea’s ability to jump great distances but in actuality, some of us would like to research further: do fleas fly or jump?
Fleas are very pesky insects and would cause more harm than good if allowed to tarry long in your home. Saying that these insects are scary is only an understatement.
In order to identify fleas and curb an infestation you must be very conversant with the behaviour of this pest. So, do fleas fly or jump? let us now find out in the article below!
What Does a Flea Look Like?
Fleas can be very small insects. They are about one-fourth inch long when fully grown. The extra-long legs on their hind legs are used to jump.
You may see a wide range of colours, but the majority are between a reddish brown and a brownish-black hue.
Read also: What Do Fleas Look Like To The Human Eye?
Do Fleas Fly?
Do fleas have wings? People often compare fleas to fruit flies and gnats because they believe they can fly. They may be the same size but they do not have wings.
Asking “Do fleas have wings?” is not the right question. Instead, ask how high they can jump. Fleas are not able to fly like other insects. Adult fleas also lack wings.
The fleas’ quick jumps may make it appear as if they were taking off, but these pests are only able to hop.
To get from one place to another, they must jump. These tiny annoyances can jump 150 times their own height or about 8 inches.
Some people confuse their speed of movement with flying, so they think they are actually flying. It’s not their wings that are moving them; it’s just the power of their legs.
These bugs are classified as ants, grasshoppers, and silverfish. There are over 2,000 flea species, but none have wings or can fly.
They’re just looking for warm bodies to cuddle up against and feed on. If you live near the coast, the sand fly may also be a problem. And there is always the human flea.
How Do I Describe a Flea Infestation?
It is possible that you are scratching your head and legs. You may be scratching your head (and legs! How do fleas get on your pet? Do fleas fly or jump inside or outside?
Fleas will attach to your pet and start feeding as they roam outdoors. Fleas are attracted to unmaintained grassy areas. However, they can also infest the best-mowed lawn.
Fleas tend to stick close to their hosts in order to gain better access to food, but they can also be found in other places. These pests can be found in your furniture, bedding, carpets and rugs.
How Do I Identify a Flea Infestation?
If you have dealt with fleas in the past, it is easy to spot an infestation. When you notice your pet scratching, you know you have fleas.
Humans scratch because fleas feel similar to head lice. You may see your animal tearing its hair, gnawing at its skin, rolling around in the grass and doing all kinds of other things to get relief.
Fleas can be found on you or your pet. Fleas look like tiny particles that move around. The flea dirt, which looks similar to tiny coffee grains, is also commonly found on pets. When you break one of these faecal fragments open, the blood will come out.
Fleas may infest your pets, furniture, or carpeting. These bugs can also infest your bed if you let your pets sleep with you.
During an infestation, do fleas fly or jump? Even if you do not have a dog or cat, you can still get fleas. In a humid climate, fleas can jump on your shoes and pant legs.
You may have to deal with live fleas and eggs if someone has lived in your home before you got pets. You can perform a simple test if you suspect that you have fleas, but you don’t know for sure.
Place a mouse glue trap on your carpet, and leave it there overnight. You will know you have a flea infestation if you see them on your carpet in the morning.
Also, wearing white socks while walking around your house will reveal the truth. White socks attract fleas and make it easier to spot them.
Many people believe that they cannot have an infestation if they do not have carpets. Fleas can also burrow into hardwood floor cracks and survive there.
Do not assume that they cannot live in your house if you do not have carpets. As long as there is a host nearby to feed them, they can adapt to any environment.
Read also: Dog Fleas: Effective Strategies for Prevention and Treatment
How Do I Get Rid of a Flea Infestation?
- Treat the Infestation Source:
Treating an infestation is a tricky process that involves many parts. First, you need to treat the access point, which is your yard.
Since the fleas are coming from the outside to the inside, you need to make sure that you get rid of any that are in your immediate yard space.
Now, if you live in the country and have lots of lands, it may not be as easy to do this. So, you should just treat the area immediately around your home or where your pets often use the restroom.
- Treat Your Home Thoroughly:
Second, you must treat your home. Since the flea eggs drop from the female as soon as she lays them, you want to make sure that you get these eggs before they have a chance to hatch.
The eggs can be picked up in a vacuum cleaner with ease, so you need to make sure that you’re vacuuming frequently. During the second part of the process, it may be necessary to call in an exterminator.
People usually try flea bombs and powders they get from a hardware store, but this can often not be enough for a significant infestation. If you’ve attempted such methods and failed, then it’s time for professional help.
- Take Good Care Of Your Pets:
Lastly, it would help if you treat your pets. It’s essential for the health and safety of your pet that you make sure they are pest-free.
Fleas and ticks are a significant problem, and some areas seem to have a worse time with them than others.
However, it’s your responsibility to see to the pet’s healthcare, and keeping bugs away is part of that responsibility.
Read also: Can Fleas Live In Your Bed? Shocking Facts You Should Know
Conclusion
You need to use a medication that will protect your pet from fleas. All fleas that bite your pet will be killed. The best flea medications are those that kill the fleas that come into contact with the skin.
Untreated animals or pets that are not receiving the correct medication can develop anaemia. You can check the colour of the gum line on the animal or the lower eyelids by pulling them down.
If you notice that it is a very pale, white colour, that’s an indication that the animal may be in danger. Most people don’t realize that fleas can be deadly.
Do. fleas fly? well, now you know. Thanks for reading!
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