How Far Fleas Jump?
WouterUntil recently, researchers had not been able to answer the question of how far fleas jump, but now they have put that debate to rest. A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge used high-speed cameras and computer modeling to study the behavior of fleas. They found that a flea’s take-off velocity and jump height depend on how much force the flea transfers to the ground.
The fleas’ jumping ability is based on their elastomeric protein resilin, which acts like an elastic pad that stretches and contracts when they jump. This elasticity allows them to exert 100 times more force than their muscles can produce. This helps them catapult themselves off surfaces at great speeds.
Fleas can jump as high as 50 times their height. They can also jump as fast as 100 times their height. The only thing that limits their jump height is their minuscule size. These bugs are no larger than a sesame seed. They can easily slip through your fur and suck up blood if they get the chance.
Fleas can jump far, which is surprising considering they don’t have wings. Their elastic structure and anatomical structure allow them to jump at a very high speed. It’s not surprising, then, that fleas are considered dangerous if not controlled properly. You can prevent fleas from attacking you or your family by inspecting your pets and your environment regularly and using flea sprays and traps.
