Why Can’t Fleas Fly?

Fleas are wingless insects. As adults, they prefer to jump onto a host instead of flying. Fleas have super strong hind legs that allow them to jump high, catapulting toward the host. Their back legs are spring-like and can reach speeds of up to four miles per hour.

Fleas are unable to fly, and they rely on jumping to get to their next host. They are so small that they can stay motionless for up to five months, then emerge from their cocoons and jump to a host where they can feed. Their legs are strong and help them jump high, and they can jump up to eight inches.

Once hatched, fleas stay on their host until they complete their life cycle. They only move around if there is a blood meal nearby. The life cycle of a flea is 14 days long, and they only fly once during their life cycle. The only time they jump is when they are searching for a host to lay their eggs.

Although fleas are small and can’t fly, many insects have wings. A common example of such a pest is the fruit fly, which you’ve probably noticed flying in your kitchen. You might also have noticed fungus gnats fluttering around your houseplants.