Can Fruit Flies Jump Like Fleas?
WouterFruit flies and fleas look very similar. However, there is one main difference: fleas don’t have wings and must jump. They can leap 150 times their height. Because of this, you need to learn how to identify them before taking steps to eliminate them.
Fleas attach themselves to mammals, such as cats and dogs, and can even jump onto humans. They feed on molds and decaying matter. While they aren’t known for biting humans or pets, their ability to jump provides them with the perfect opportunity to reproduce. They can lay as many as 50 eggs a day, which can be detrimental to host animals. An infestation of fleas can cause serious illnesses. Infected animals may suffer from extreme anemia, a common side effect of having hundreds of these insects on their skin.
Flea beetles are related to fleas but don’t bite people. They have similar color schemes and can jump long distances. While they aren’t as large as fleas, they are considered pests in their own right. The National Pest Management Association reports that a single flea can jump eight inches vertically – that’s taller than a skyscraper! And, they’re not the only creatures that can jump: there are over 2,000 species of fleas worldwide.
Fruit flies can look a lot like fleas, although they don’t bite. They look similar in color and body size – tan or brown – and both are small compared to the typical flea. But what makes fruit flies more similar than fleas is their ability to fly.
