Do Fleas Have Wings?

August 31, 2017


Fleas are amazing jumpers. Did you know that, although a flea is only a mere .1 inches in length, it can jump, vertically, up to seven inches? That is around 100 times its length, and it would be the equivalent of a 6-foot man jumping over the Eiffel Tower! That's some pretty radical jumping power! Given this information on how high fleas are able to jump, it is no wonder that many people want to know whether or not fleas can actually fly. In other words, do fleas have wings?

The answer to this question is a resounding, no. Fleas definitely do not have wings. They are not able to fly, although sometimes it may seem like they can, the way they multiply and can infest a structure in no time flat. Probably everyone reading this article has had to deal with a flea infestation at one point or another in their lives. And if you have, then you know that it is no picnic.

How fast do fleas multiply?

Since a female flea can lay eggs every 12 days and can produce up to 600 baby fleas in just one month, and those fleas can mature in as little as 12 days, this means that a few fleas can turn into thousands in a very short period of time. And they can prove to be extremely difficult to completely eradicate with do-it-yourself methods.

So what's the problem with fleas?

Aside from the itchy red bumps fleas cause on the skin, and the seeming insanity it can cause in pets, fleas are vectors for certain diseases, including plague. They are also connected with the spread of murine typhus, mycoplasma haemofelis, tapeworms and cat scratch fever.

How do fleas get into homes?

There are several ways that fleas typically get into homes. Often fleas are carried in on pets but even in homes where there are no pets fleas can still find their way in. If your home has entry points where insects and rodents can enter, then it is possible for your home to be infested with fleas that are carried in on mice, rats, or squirrels. If this is the case, you may have bigger problems than just fleas. Here are a few prevention tips you can try to keep pests out:

  • Seal up any gaps or cracks you find on the outside of your foundation or walls.

  • Trim back bushes, shrubs or trees that pests can climb to get to your walls or roof area.

  • Remove clutter from your yard that may be harborage for rodents.

  • Remove water sources and food sources close to your home that will draw pests in close.

  • Keep the inside of your home clean so, if pests do find a way in, they won't find any water sources or food particles to live on.

  • Contact a pest control company for help.

The professional pest control technicians here at Aiken Pest Control have the knowledge and experience not only to rid your home of fleas, but to protect from future invasions of fleas, rodents, and a whole host of other home-invading pests. Reach out to Aiken today and become flea free.




Previous Next

Request Your Free Quote

go to top
Review Widget