How Far Do Fleas Jump?
WouterDespite the fact that fleas do not have wings, their elastic feature and anatomical structure enable them to jump a long distance. These creatures can be dangerous if not taken care of, so flea prevention measures include cleaning your environment, regularly checking your pets, and using flea traps and sprays. Here are some fun facts about fleas. You might be surprised to learn that fleas can jump up to seven inches!
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have finally answered the question, “How far do fleas jump?” They studied 51 hedgehog fleas using high-speed cameras and computer modeling to determine the exact distance fleas can jump. They even used a microscope to study the fleas’ jumping motions.
Although fleas do not have wings, they can jump 50 times higher than they are long. And they can do so more quickly than the blink of an eye. The secret to their great jumping ability is in their resilin, which is a substance that helps them jump. The resilin in their legs allow them to push off the ground easily, and the elastic properties of their legs allow them to jump so high and fast.
Fleas have long been known to be amazing jumpers, but it took more than 1,000 years for scientists to get the first solid data on the length of their jumps. The first hard data was gathered in 1844 by English physicist, Dr. Robert Hooke. This scientist was studying the mechanics of the jumping fleas and concluded that fleas could jump 50 to 100 times their body length.
