Some insects can make life at home uncomfortable. When you discover that you have unwanted visitors in your home, identifying them can be difficult. There are several telltale signs to look for.
Often, though, it is difficult to identify the exact species. That is the case with the pesky bed bug and flea. Luckily, precautionary measures work to rid your home of both bed bugs and fleas alike.
To identify bed bugs vs fleas, look for the following.
Bed Bugs and Knowing Their Existence
Bed bugs are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed solely on the blood of animals. While they are a nuisance, they are not known to transmit disease. They are often mistaken for carpet beetles or cockroaches.
How Bed Bugs Feed
Bed bugs are attracted to their hosts primarily by body heat and the presence of carbon dioxide. The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, is the species most often associated with humans. They feed on the blood of their hosts for 3 to 5 minutes, then retreat to their hiding places.
Bed Bugs’ Nature
Bed bugs can live for up to one year without food. Bed bugs are found in cracks and crevices in beds, furniture, and floors. They can also be found in luggage, clothing, and furniture.
Bed Bug Bites
They are most active at night when they come out to feed on their hosts. Bed bug bites are painless but can cause itching, swelling, and redness. In some cases, bed bug bites can lead to allergic reactions and secondary infections.
Fleas and Knowing Their Existence
Fleas are small insects that live off the blood of animals. They are wingless and have hard, flat body that is covered in tiny hairs. Fleas are dark brown or black in color and are about 1/12 to 1/8 inch long.
How Fleas Feed
Fleas are external parasites, living off the blood of their hosts. They are parasitic on mammals and birds. Fleas can be a nuisance to both pets and humans and can transmit diseases to humans, such as the bubonic plague.
Fleas’ Nature
They are very agile and can jump up to 150 times their own body length. Fleas are capable of jumping long distances and can leap up to 200 times their own body length. Fleas can also fly short distances.
The female flea lays her eggs on the host animal, and the larvae develop into small, white, worm-like creatures. When fully grown, the larvae spin a cocoon and pupate. The adult flea then emerges from the cocoon and begins feeding on the host animal.
Fleas Bites
Flea bites are caused by the saliva of the flea. The saliva of the flea contains a protein that causes an allergic reaction in some people. The bites usually appear as small, red, raised bumps on the skin.
The bites often itch and can be very uncomfortable. If you have a flea bite, you may want to seek medical attention.
Comparing Pest Control Between Bed Bugs vs Fleas
When choosing a pest control method between fleas vs bed bugs, there are a few things to consider. Bed bugs are more difficult to spot and remove, while fleas are easier to see and eliminate.
When it comes to controlling these pests, both bed bugs and fleas can be killed with insecticides. However, bed bugs are more resistant to pesticides than fleas, so it may take multiple treatments to rid your home of them.
However, fleas can jump higher and faster, making them more difficult to control. Bed bugs are also more likely to bite humans, while fleas are more likely to bite animals. Overall, both pests can be controlled with the right methods and products by any bed bugs control services or flea control services.
How to Avoid Bed Bugs vs Fleas
There are a few key differences between bed bugs and fleas that you should be aware of in order to better avoid them. Here’s how:
Know When They Are Active
For one, bed bugs are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide, while fleas are more attracted to movement. This means that bed bugs are more likely to be found in areas where people sleep, such as in beds or on couches.
Fleas on the other hand are more likely to be found in areas with a lot of foot traffic. This means that bed bugs are more likely to bite people during the night, while fleas are more likely to bite during the day.
Clean Your Bedding Regularly
If you think you may have bed bugs, be sure to laundry all of your bedding in a high heat setting. This will kill any existing bugs and their eggs.
Vacuum Regularly
You should also vacuum your mattress and box spring to remove any fleas that may be present. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag afterward to prevent the fleas from escaping.
Be Extra Cautious When You Travel
Finally, if you travel, be sure to inspect your hotel room for any signs of these pests before unpacking. If you find any, notify the front desk and request a different room. That way, you won’t have any chances of bringing one home.
Bed Bugs vs Fleas Bites Treatment
When treating bed bug bites, the main focus is to control the swelling and itching. This can be done with over-the-counter antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream. For more severe reactions, prescription strength medications may be necessary.
Flea bites are usually much less severe than bed bug bites. However, they can still be itchy and uncomfortable. The best way to treat flea bites is to avoid scratching them, as this can lead to infection.
If the bites are particularly bothersome, hydrocortisone cream can be used for relief.
Knowing the Difference Between Bed Bugs vs Fleas is Important
Bed bugs and fleas are both small, wingless insects that can cause a lot of annoyance and discomfort. They can both bite and feed on blood, which can lead to itchiness and irritation. Bed bugs are typically found in mattresses and bedding, while fleas are often found in carpets and upholstered furniture.
Knowing the difference between bed bugs vs fleas is important in order to effectively get rid of them. If you see any signs of bed bugs or fleas, call a pest control professional to come and take a look.
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