Fleas can fly. In fact, fleas are one of the most efficient winged insects in the world. By efficiency we mean that for very little energy a flea can travel a similar distance to other winged insects of similar size. Fleas fold their wings when they’re not flying, which allows them to run and jump with great efficiency. Most often, it is the flea larvae that causes problems for pets and humans as they are small and able to hide in places that are difficult to clean. Some fleas will jump onto human hosts when they find an opportunity. A flea is capable of jumping up to 14 inches (35 cm) high and distances between 8-10 inches (20-25 cm). When attempting to determine how far a flea can jump, it is important to look at their bodies as this provides clues about their size. Fleas are wingless insects, and therefore cannot fly. While adult fleas cannot fly, the eggs and larvae can. They achieve this by spinning a silk pad which they then hang from. Depending on the species, they may also simply drop down to the ground. Human fleas, Pulex irritans (from Latin pulex = flea), are the most common fleas on humans and can spread a variety of diseases to both humans and animals. Fleas get their name from their ability to jump great heights of up to 150 times their body length – more than ten times higher than an Olympic long jumper. A flea has a very powerful, multi-jointed leg structure and an equally high metabolic rate that enables it to withstand the forces of high-impact or sudden starts and landings. The power output generated by the flexing of its muscles is about 24 times its body weight in comparison to a human who produces 1/7th of its body weight. Fleas, when attached to a host, can move freely around the surface of the skin. They are able to right themselves if they flip onto their backs. As a result, fleas don’t have wings but they’re able to hop or jump. When fleas are feeding on the blood of a host, they separate from their host and move toward the nearest suitable location. Fleas can jump high enough to reach food sources most animals cannot reach without jumping onto something higher. This makes it possible for adult fleas to attack hosts located several inches above them, such as humans and cats.

Can Fleas Fly

Are they technically flying?

Fleas don’t have wings, but there’s a good chance you’ve seen them jump pretty high. They flick their rear legs up, then back down again with incredible force. This allows them to leap up to 8 inches vertically and around 15 inches horizontally—which is about 100 times their own body length!

So yes, technically fleas can “fly.” But it’s more like jumping than flapping.

How Do Fleas Get From One Place To Another?

To get from one place to another, fleas will use their powerful jumping ability. A flea’s jumping distance can reach up to 200 times its own body length. This means that a flea can jump 8 inches high and 13 inches horizontally!

In addition to that, a flea will only jump in short spurts due to the fact that it uses up lots of energy. When you see how fast these little pests are when they’re on your pet or in your home, it’s a wonder they don’t explode into dust!

So Can They Fly Or What?

Yes, fleas can fly. However, their flight is not like the flight of a bird or an insect. Fleas are incapable of sustained flight and instead use their jumping ability to move around. They can jump up to 200 times their own height, which means that they could jump over 7 inches (18 cm) high!

• The flea’s jumping mechanism is quite different from other insects like bees or grasshoppers that have wings and are capable of sustained flight. The flea uses its hind legs to propel itself through the air in much the same way as a human uses his arms for jumping up onto a high surface such as a wall or table leg.*

While fleas may not be able to fly, they do exhibit a unique jumping ability that can cover large distances on their own.

While fleas may not be able to fly, they do exhibit a unique jumping ability that can cover large distances on their own. A flea’s jump is so powerful that it can jump vertically over a foot and horizontally up to 8 inches. This makes the flea one of the best jumpers in the world!