7 Facts About Fleas

Although with their small size, fleas can be so troublesome. They can cause irritation to you and your pets, diseases, and more! Check out these interesting, informative facts we listed for you to know more about these biting bugs.

​1. They are skilled jumpers.
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This is why they put Olympians to shame! Why? Because they can jump 150 times their body length! It is also measured that their jump accelerated 20 times faster than a space shuttle. But this is one essential skill for them to be able to live and reproduce. Jumping onto its prey is how they get to feed.

2. They have been present for at least 165 Million years.

Imagine giant fleas? Eeky right?! They have been found to be present during the Mesozoic Era which is famously known as the Jurassic Period. And you guessed that right! Their prey most likely is dinosaurs.

There were 2 species of fleas back then - and the larger of the two was 0.8 inches long! In addition, it has special mouthparts that allow it to pierce onto a dino’s skin. Although they didn’t have the ability to jump.

3. Fleas can go a long time without eating.

There are researchers showing that a flea can stay in its cocoon for up to a year. They have the ability to not eat from 1 to 2 weeks. But once they go really hungry, they’ll surely keep watch of you!

4. They can make an animal VERY SICK.

Fleas are known to be efficient and effective parasites. A Flea infestation can consume a lot of blood from its host causing anemia. Smaller animal breeds, puppies, and kittens are prone to this. Pets can also develop allergies from their saliva. Once the allergy worsens, you shouldn’t ignore it as it needs immediate veterinary care.

5. Females Fleas lay a LOT of eggs.

A flea infestation can rapidly grow without you being aware of it immediately. A female flea can lay up to 20 eggs a day. Just imagine if there are a number of female fleas living in your home! In its short lifespan, it can produce up to 2,000 eggs. Oh boy!

6. They aren’t Insects.

You might mistake them for being an insect. But, they aren't. They are arachnids which makes them closely related to spiders and scorpions.

7. They are actually skinny in appearance.

This Is one reason why they easily move in between the fur or feathers of its host - unlike insects that can easily get entangled. They are thin. smooth, and flat - allowing them to move quickly.

Interesting facts right? Despite being tiny, they can pose a health threat to the household as well as the pets. But this doesn’t mean you should lock up yourselves in the house and live in fear to avoid them. It’s also the duty of the homeowner to assure the safety of the home from these buggers. Good thing you can ask help from Professional Flea Exterminators who can surely help you get rid of them and avoid them.