If you’ve heard the myth that fleas in Surrey, particularly in areas like Fleetwood, can fly, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that fleas don’t actually have wings, despite their ability to jump impressive distances. In this post, we’ll clear up the confusion, discuss how fleas move, and provide practical advice on how to keep your Surrey home free of these pesky insects. If you’re dealing with a flea infestation, pest control Surrey BC experts can offer the help you need to ensure your home stays flea-free.
Do Fleas in Surrey’s Fleetwood Area Actually Fly, or Are They Just Really Good Jumpers?
Fleas Are Not Flyers, But They Are Expert Jumpers
Fleas might seem like they can fly because of their impressive jumping ability, but they’re actually not capable of flight. These small insects are equipped with powerful back legs that allow them to jump as far as 200 times their body length. This remarkable jumping skill can make them appear to be flying, especially when they leap from your pet to furniture or other areas of your home. However, the reality is that fleas are skilled jumpers, not flyers.
Fleas rely on their jumping ability to move and infest homes in Surrey. Whether it’s from your pet to your carpets or from the yard to your furniture, fleas don’t need to fly to invade your living space, they simply need a ride from a host, like your dog, cat, or other wildlife.
Flea Movement and Spread
In Surrey’s Fleetwood area, fleas typically move by jumping from one host to another, often from your pet to you or to nearby furniture. Fleas don’t need to fly to infest your home; they simply hitch a ride on your pets or other animals. Once fleas attach to your pet, they can travel indoors and spread to carpets, furniture, and bedding. It’s their jumping ability that helps them spread around your home, not flight.
Are There Any Flying Flea Species Common in Surrey I Should Watch Out For?
Fleas and Their Known Habitats in Surrey
In Surrey, especially in neighborhoods like Fleetwood, the most common types of fleas homeowners deal with are the cat flea, dog flea, and occasionally, human fleas. These fleas are all jumping insects, not flyers. They thrive in environments that offer warmth, moisture, and easy access to hosts, such as your pets, rodents, or even stray wildlife.
There are no species of fleas in Surrey that can fly, so any flea infestation you encounter will be due to their exceptional ability to jump. It’s important to understand this behavior, as it helps in understanding how they spread throughout your home.
The Myth of Flying Fleas
There are no species of fleas in Surrey, or anywhere else, that are capable of flight. The misunderstanding often arises when fleas leap so high that it looks like they’re flying. It’s important to keep in mind that fleas move through jumping and attach themselves to a host, such as a dog or cat, rather than flying into your home. No matter the species, fleas will always use their impressive jumping ability to get around.
Are Fleas in Surrey Able to Fly Into My House Through an Open Window?
Fleas Cannot Fly, But They Can Still Get Inside
Even though fleas can’t fly into your Surrey home through an open window, they can still enter via other means. Fleas typically enter homes by attaching to pets that roam outdoors. If you have pets that are frequently outside, they can pick up fleas and bring them into your home. Once fleas attach to your pets, they will jump off and infest your home, often settling in carpets, bedding, and furniture.
Preventing Fleas from Entering Your Home
While leaving windows open doesn’t allow fleas to fly in, there are steps you can take to prevent fleas from entering your home:
- Treat pets regularly: Regular flea treatments for your pets are essential in keeping fleas from hitching a ride indoors. Using a reliable flea control product is key to breaking the flea lifecycle.
- Install window screens: Even though fleas don’t fly, other insects that may carry fleas, like mosquitoes or flies, do. Screens help keep insects out and minimize the risk of fleas entering your home through open windows.
- Maintain a clean yard: Fleas can live in grass and debris outside your home, so keeping your yard tidy can help reduce the chance of them entering your home via pets or wildlife.
How to Protect Your Surrey Home From Fleas
Regular Flea Prevention for Pets
One of the most effective ways to protect your Surrey home from fleas is to treat your pets regularly with flea control products. Whether you use flea collars, topical treatments, or oral medications, flea control is a must for pets that spend time outdoors. Regular treatments will help prevent fleas from taking root in your home and can break the flea lifecycle before it becomes an infestation.
Keeping Your Home Flea-Free
Even with regular pet treatments, it’s essential to keep your home flea-free by maintaining a clean environment. Regularly vacuuming carpets and upholstery, washing pet bedding, and cleaning floors will help remove fleas and eggs before they become a problem. You can also use flea sprays or powders in areas where fleas are likely to hide, such as pet beds and under furniture. For more comprehensive solutions, consider contacting pest control Surrey for professional advice and treatment options that ensure your home stays flea-free.
When to Call a Professional
If your flea problem persists or seems to be getting worse despite your efforts, it’s time to call a professional exterminator Surrey. A pest control expert in Surrey can assess the situation and help eliminate fleas effectively using more advanced treatments that are safer and more thorough than DIY methods. Many pest control services offer comprehensive solutions that target fleas both inside and outside your home.
Conclusion
While fleas in Surrey, especially in areas like Fleetwood, don’t actually fly, their incredible jumping ability can make it seem like they do. By understanding how fleas move and taking preventive measures, such as regularly treating your pets and keeping your home clean, you can reduce the likelihood of a flea infestation. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to contact a flea control near me service to get rid of fleas for good. Ready to protect your home from fleas? Contact us today for a professional flea inspection and treatment plan from trusted pest control experts in Surrey.