Bed bugs and fleas are quite similar, but there are differences. It’s crucial for homeowners and renters to recognize an infestation. These pests can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Knowing the physical characteristics and preventive measures will help keep them away.
This guide explains bed bug and flea bites along with tips on prevention and getting rid of them:
- Physical characteristics of bed bugs and fleas
- Preventive measures
- Getting rid of bed bugs and fleas
Bed Bug Bites
Bed bug bites are utterly uncomfortable. Red and itchy, they can pop-up anywhere on the body. But, they can often be mistaken for flea bites. Let’s focus on the differences between these two.
We’ll explore symptoms, how to identify them, and how to prevent bed bug bites:
Appearance
Diagnosing a bug bite involves looking at its appearance and where it is on the body. Bed bug bites are in clusters or lines. They look like red or pink bumps with whitish halos and a zigzag pattern. Flea bites appear as singular puncture wounds. They also look like red bumps, but without halos and in larger clusters.
Location is also important in identifying the bug. Bed bugs usually bite exposed skin like face, neck, hands, arms and legs. Fleas bite around ankles or lower legs since their hosts move around often.
Location
Know the difference between bed bug bites vs flea bites to pick the right treatment. Take note of the bite location to make a correct diagnosis.
Bed bug bites usually appear in a line on parts of your body that are lower than your heart, like elbows, wrists, ankles and face. At certain stages, bed bugs may not feed even when people are present, leading to no bites at all.
Flea bites are different. They prefer warmth; therefore, they occur in clusters on the arms and legs, stomach, back or around the waist. Fleas jump off after feeding, which causes the bites to appear in spurts. Observe any chafing or irritation at these sites, as well as spots left behind by bugs or eggs, to confirm if you have a problem with either pests or both.
Treatment
Getting bed bugs out can be tricky and needs a pro. Before anything, you must spot if it’s bed bug or flea bites. To be sure and avoid more problems, here’s how to tell them apart.
Bed Bug Bites
Treat the bites quickly to avoid skin issues and infection. You can do it with chemicals or non-chemicals.
- Chemical: OTC creams like antiseptics, hydrocortisone, calamine lotion, and anesthetics can reduce itchiness.
- Non-Chemical: Put cold compresses on the area several times a day, use oral antihistamines, and wash clothes/linens in hot water.
Read Also: How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs on Your Mattress
Flea Bites
Topical treatment with pyrethrins or permethrin can kill fleas without touching your skin. Oral antihistamines can control the itch, swelling, and redness around the bite.
Flea Bites
Fleas feast on humans or animals. They can cause itchy red bumps on your skin from their bites. Flea bites are usually smaller than bed bug bites, and not usually in a line or cluster. Knowing how to differentiate them is important to get the right treatment for any bites you get.
Here’s what flea bites look like:
Appearance
Flea bites appear as small, red spots surrounded by an area of redness. They can look like bed bug bites, as they tend to occur in clustered patterns. The bites are often found on the ankles, lower legs and feet. In some cases, these bites become raised or have a halo-like appearance due to histamine produced by the body.
Also, if one family pet has fleas, it’s likely that multiple people in the household will be affected. Itching from these bites can be very intense, especially for those who are allergic or hypersensitive to flea saliva.
Location
Flea bites and bed bug bites can show up in different parts of your body. Flea bites are often found on exposed areas like your arms, hands, neck, or face. Bed bug bites are often around tight clothing like socks or pajamas; near the edges of your bedding or mattress seams.
Look at the pattern of your bites. Think about where you were when you got bitten and how many bites you have. Flea bites come in clusters or lines. Bed bug bites may be individual, but frequently in zig-zag patterns. Rows or clusters of 2-3 bites may occur. Isolated marks may be spread out on your body.
Besides location, pay attention to any accompanying symptoms. Also check size and shape of the marks for proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatments for flea bites vary, but hydrocortisone cream or ointment could help reduce itching and inflammation. Avoid hot baths, and find the right products to use by trial and error. If home remedies don’t work, a doctor may suggest taking an antihistamine, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
If a bite becomes infected, antibiotics may be prescribed. To avoid secondary infections, don’t scratch too much at intense itchy areas. Also, keep nails trimmed and clean to prevent infection from scratching flea and bed bug bites.
Conclusion
Be alert for the differences between flea and bed bug bites! If you spot bed bugs, act quickly. Professionals can help avoid an infestation.
Fleas are usually found in fabrics where pets have been. Regular vacuuming and washing pet bedding is key. Curtains, rugs, and bedding material should be washed too.
Struggling to tell the difference? See a doctor or pest control specialist for help. Take action to keep these pests away and protect yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the symptoms of bed bug bites?
A: The most common symptom of bed bug bites is an itchy, red rash. Bed bug bites can also cause welts, small lumps, and blisters with fluid in them.
Q: What are the symptoms of flea bites?
A: Flea bites typically appear as small red bumps that are very itchy. They can also cause hives, swelling, and rashes.
Q: How can I tell the difference between bed bug bites and flea bites?
A: Flea bites typically appear in groups of three or four and are usually found around the ankles and lower legs. Bed bug bites, on the other hand, appear as red, raised welts that are often found in a line or cluster on exposed skin.
