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Can a flea jump?
Fleas on pets
The flea life cycle
How to prevent fleas
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How far can a flea jump?
- By Emma
-
- August 8, 2024
- 3 MIN READ
Fleas - part-time athlete, full-time nuisance. Did you know fleas have one heck of a jump on them? It’s not that surprising then, when a flea jumps onto our pet and causes an infestation. Keep reading to find out exactly how far a flea can jump!
Can a flea jump?
The average flea is about 3 millimetres long—tiny enough to fit comfortably on the head of a pin. But don’t let their size fool you; these bad boys can jump up to 30 centimetres in a single bound. That’s about 100 times their body length. To put it into perspective, if a kid could jump the same way a flea could, they’d be able to jump over the Eiffel Tower!
Their ability to jump this far is really down to a flea’s anatomy. Their back legs are like miniature catapults, equipped with a special protein called resilin. When a flea gets ready to jump, it compresses the resilin like a spring, and then releases this energy to propel itself in the air. Another thing you probably didn’t know about fleas is that during this jump, they are travelling super fast - up to 1.9 metres per second, to be precise.
Fleas use their jumping skills to move quickly from one place to another, whether they’re escaping danger or, more likely, looking for their next meal…
Fleas on pets
Fleas are more than just impressive jumpers—they’re also top hitchhikers. When a flea spots a potential host, like your dog or cat, it doesn’t hesitate to leap aboard and feed on their blood.
The flea’s ability to jump long distances means they can easily move from the ground or plants onto your pet. Once there, they can be surprisingly difficult to spot, especially in thick fur. And unfortunately, where there’s one flea, there’s usually many more waiting in the wings—or rather, in the grass, carpets, and furniture.
The flea life cycle
From Jumping to Infesting
Fleas don’t just jump onto pets for a quick snack; they’re looking for a place to call home. Once a flea finds a host, it will start to feed and reproduce. A single flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, which soon fall off into your environment—whether that’s your carpet, bedding, or garden. These eggs then hatch into larvae, which eventually develop into adult fleas, ready to start the cycle all over again.
Because of their quick reproductive cycle, a few fleas can quickly become a full-blown infestation. And since fleas can jump so far, it’s easy for them to spread from one pet to another or from the outdoors into your home.
How to prevent fleas
Here’s some tips to prevent fleas from using your pet as a personal trampoline:
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Treat your pet regularly with flea treatment
The best way to protect your pet from fleas is to use regular flea treatments. There are lots to choose from, such as topical treatments, flea collars, and oral medications. These treatments work by killing fleas on contact or preventing them from reproducing, which can help stop an infestation before it starts. If you need help deciding what treatment is best for your pet, see here.
It’s really important to use flea treatments consistently, even if you don’t see any fleas. Fleas are tiny and can be difficult to spot, especially in the early stages of an infestation. Try the Itch Flea for Dogs or the Itch Flea for Cats to keep up with regular treatments and ensure your pet is always protected.
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Keep your home and garden clean
Fleas can enter your home in many different ways, the most common being from your garden. Try to mow your grass regularly, trim any shrubs, and clear away debris to reduce the number of fleas in your garden. For indoors, hoover regularly to keep fleas at bay, focusing on areas where your pet spends the most time, such as carpets, rugs, and furniture. Always empty the hoover bag or canister immediately after cleaning to prevent any eggs or larvae from hatching inside.
Protecting your home from fleas is just as important as protecting your pet. Use flea sprays or treatments designed for your home to create a flea-free zone. Try the Itch Flea Home Spray for Homes to zap away fleas and get rid of adult fleas for 2 months (then spray again)!
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Wash your pet’s bedding and toys
Flea eggs and larvae can easily hide in your pet’s bedding and toys, so it’s important to wash these regularly. Wash on 60 degree heat with a pet-safe detergent to kill any fleas or eggs that might be lurking there. This simple step can make such a big difference in preventing fleas from spreading in your home.
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Check your pet
Even with preventive measures in place, it’s a good idea to check your pet regularly for fleas. Comb through their fur with a fine-toothed flea comb, paying close attention to the areas around their neck, ears, and tail—these are the spots where fleas like to hide. If you do find fleas, act quickly with flea treatment and thorough cleaning to prevent a full-blown infestation.
So a flea can jump up to 30 centimetres - pretty impressive for such a small creature. Whilst their jumping ability is fascinating, it’s less enjoyable when they’re using it to invade your home and irritate your pets. Keep your pet and home flea-free by protecting with preventatives.
Don't let fleas jump on your pet!
Fleas, ticks and lice can be a nightmare, but with the right approach, you can take control and rid your pets and home of these bothersome pests. Remember that parasites can be persistent, so patience and regular treatment will be your best friends! By addressing both your pet and their environment, you can ensure a flea-free and comfortable living space for both your furry companion and your family.
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