Have you noticed clusters of insect bites appear on yourself or a family member?
You may have fleas or bed bugs in your home.
The first step in treating your home and clearing out the pests is identifying which pest you’re dealing with. Bed bugs and fleas look different and so do their bites. Knowing how to identify each pest and their bite can help you rid your home of them.
If you think your home may have a pest infestation, but you’re not sure what the culprit is, here are some of the differences between bed bugs vs fleas.
Bed Bug Identification
If you’re wondering, “What do bed bugs look like?” or, “What are bed bugs?” they are round, flat, and reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood at night. Bed bugs hide in mattresses and carpets and can be found in places like hotels and hospitals. Unfortunately, bed bugs can also make their way into homes and apartments when a human brings them in.
Bed bug bites are small and have a small dark red dot in the center. They can appear in clusters or lines typically on the top half of your body in areas like your arms, neck, and face.
Flea Identification
You can tell the difference between fleas and bed bugs by the shape and size. Fleas are also reddish-brown, but are longer and more cylindrical than bed bugs. They’re also smaller and can jump about a foot into the air.
Fleas require a warm-bodied host and prefer a furry animal like a cat or dog as opposed to humans. If you own a pet that might occasionally make some rounds outside, your problem could be fleas.
Fleas do bite humans however, and their bites look like small red marks and are usually found on the lower half of your body or in moist areas. The bites are often in clusters of three. Fleas can carry diseases like typhus, plague, and cat scratch fever, which can be transmitted to humans.
What to Do if You Find Pests in Your Home
Even one bed bug or flea can turn into a larger problem if given enough time. If you spot a bed bug or flea in your home, call a professional to take a look to discover the full extent of the problem. If you’re lucky, you may be able to nip the problem in the bud and avoid an infestation.
Bed bugs are particularly difficult to get rid of, so if you have an infestation, it’s best to get a bed bug treatment immediately.
Bed Bugs vs Fleas in the Home
Now that you know some warning signs of bed bugs vs fleas, it’s time to decide on a course of action. Neither one of the pests will be easy to get rid of, but knowing the difference between the two can make you better prepared for a treatment plan.
Be sure to check back regularly for more tips on optimizing your home space!
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