If you are ever wondering whether you are the only person who has this question in mind, you are not. There are around 75-100 people who searched for the term “Do fleas fly?” on Google daily over the past month. It might be surprising, but fleas do not fly. In fact, they are considered one of the many flightless insects like silverfish, most species of ants, grasshoppers and some flies. They might have been mistaken to fly because they can jump up to 150 times their own length.
Those who searched for this query might be having the same flea concerns as you. Where do fleas come from? How did my pet get fleas? What do fleas eat? How do I get rid of fleas? You are about to get answers to all of these and more, so read on.
What are fleas?
If you have pets, chances are you have encountered fleas in one way or another. They are easy to acquire but difficult to get rid of once your pet has them. In layman’s term, fleas are parasites. They are external parasites that live and feed on the blood of their hosts. The most common hosts of fleas are cats, dogs, rabbits, rats and other animals with thick fur.
Fleas are light brown to dark brown insects, about 1 to 3 millimeters long. They have slender bodies that may appear full when fully fed. Fleas can consume about 10 to 15 times their own weight, especially the female ones. They can also last up to 100 days without feeding on a host.
Where do fleas come from?
Fleas don’t just appear on the fur of your healthy pets. Since these insects can travel an impressive distance due to their powerful hind legs, they can originate from various places.
They thrive in cool, moist, and dark places if they are not with a host. They will likely jump into a potential one in the wild. Raccoons, squirrels, rats, and other rodents are the easy targets, and they are the ones most likely bringing them into your garden and yard. Once your pets play outdoors, that is how they get exposed and become the next host.
Dangers of Fleas
As the primary hosts, pets infected with fleas can suffer from various illnesses caused by these parasites. Fleas are considered a severe threat in the pet care industry. A big chunk of the market comes from pet owners who share the same flea infestation problem on their pets.
The most common problem that fleas cause pets is flea dermatitis. It is an allergic reaction caused by flea saliva to the skin. Like any other allergies, this will be itchy, and pets will naturally scratch their skin. This may leave gash and openings on the skin that might get infected. It could get worse that may lead to hair loss on some parts of their body.
Another known danger of fleas to pets is anemia. If fleas are left untreated in a pet’s body, they keep feeding on blood and fleas keep multiplying. Younger pets can suffer from anemia because they are losing nutrients through blood loss.
The most common predicament of pet owners who are also dealing with fleas is tapeworms. The life cycle of fleas and tapeworms is pretty interesting. When your pet ingests infected fleas, they will most likely get tapeworms. Tapeworms will break off from the infected fleas and live inside the new host – your pet.
Tapeworm eggs are released in nature through your pet excrements. Flea larvae in the environment will feed on tapeworm eggs and hatch inside the growing flea larva until it becomes an adult flea. The cycle continues until you don’t get rid of fleas.
Can Fleas Infect Humans?
There have been questions like “can humans get fleas.” And the answer is yes. Since they feed on blood, the absence of an animal host can lead them any possible hosts like humans. Aside from that, the tapeworms from infected fleas can get to humans too.
How do I get Rid of Fleas?
Fleas are dangerous to both humans and pets as both can be hosts, even if these cases are rare for humans. Fleas can cause health problems to both as well, and the only way to prevent these problems is to get rid of them totally. These are the best products in the market to eradicate fleas:
1. Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray
Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray kills fleas, larvae, and eggs using a natural formulation made from Clove and Peppermint natural oils. Fleas die on contact, and it is guaranteed safe for your pets. Aside from that, this can repel mosquitoes too.
It can be spray directly on your pets, on pet beds, carpets, and other surfaces. This product is not only for control, but it is also for total elimination and prevention of fleas.
This formula kills fleas, flea larvae, flea eggs, ticks and mosquitoes by contact without harsh chemicals.
2. Victor M230 Ultimate FleaTraps -Super Savings
It may not be easy to find fleas on your pets. Sometimes it takes time to discover it until they suffer from itching or hair loss. The best way to monitor flea activities is to set up a trap like Victor M230.
This trap lures fleas from up to 30 ft. away and fleas will jump their way to Victor’s very own “super grabber” glue. If you have a garden and your pets stay in and out of the house, this is the perfect way to monitor and control indoor fleas.
The Ultimate Flea Trap by Victor is a unique and easy-to-use tool that effectively helps you control fleas in your home. Simply plug it in, and your flea trap will begin luring and trapping fleas immediately from up to 30 feet away, alerting you to their presence.
3. Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray
Fleas come from outdoors, and pets get them while they enjoy playing in the yard. The best way to prevent them from infecting your pets is to eliminate them from your outdoor living space. Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray is formulated for outdoor use. It is ready to spray on your lawn, kennel, and patio. It is made with certified natural oils and is guaranteed safe for pets.
Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray kills mosquitoes, fleas, flea larvae, flea eggs, and ticks by contact without harsh chemicals.
Do fleas fly?
They definitely don’t. Fleas are wingless insects, but they jump, and they go places. As homeowners and pet owners, you surely don’t want them in and out of your home. Just make sure to check out these prevention and control tips and products to eliminate fleas.