Difference Between Flea Bites And Bed Bug Bites

The difference between flea bites and bed bug bites can be a simple one. Bed bugs and fleas are both small biting insects, about the size of an apple seed, that can be found in many homes and hotels. Fleas tend to bite animals more than people whereas bed bugs bite humans more often than animals. The places fleas like to inhabit are usually hotter indoors areas while bedbugs prefer a cooler environment. Bedbug bites tend to appear in groups of three but sometimes they can leave more bites depending on the length of time they feed on the host. It’s not easy trying to figure out which little bug has been feasting on you at night. If you touch one, you not only wake up with a bad itch, but also need to stop for a hot shower to wash the creepy critter off your hand as soon as possible. Knowing the difference between flea bites and bed bug bites can help make your next move a bit more definitive. Many people use the terms flea bites and bed bug bites interchangeably. They are both caused by similar insects, have similar characteristics and can appear similar. While they can be grouped together in categories, they are actually different things. Unlike fleas, bed bugs do not live in our pets’ fur, but instead are found in cracks or crevices near our beds or sofas. Although they look extremely similar to each other, fleas and bed bugs bite in different ways and cause different reactions. While bed bug bites are normally red in color, flea bites are usually a lot lurid than that. The commonly known signs of fleas are small red dots on the skin which look like tiny insect bites. These red dots often swell up and itch.

Difference Between Flea Bites And Bed Bug Bites

Introduction

When you wake up in the morning and itch like crazy, what could be the cause? Fleas and bed bugs are two common culprits that cause itchy skin. But how do you know which one is causing your discomfort? The good news is that knowing the difference between flea bites and bed bug bites can help identify the underlying cause of your itchy skin quickly. So what exactly are fleas and bed bugs, and how are their bites different from one another?

What Are Fleas?

A flea is a small, wingless insect that feeds on the blood of animals and humans. Fleas are often found on pets, but they can also live on people. These pests are not known to spread disease; rather, they cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people.

What Are Bed Bugs?

What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small, flat, brownish insects that feed on blood. They are not visible to the naked eye and can be found in homes, hotels, schools, and other places where people sleep. Bed bugs are most active at night; however they may feed during any time of the day or night.

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Bed bug nymphs (immature bed bugs) have a lighter color than adults do with bright red eyes. Adult bedbugs are reddish brown or mahogany in color with oval-shaped bodies about 1/4 inch long!

Similarities Between Flea Bites And Bed Bug Bites

Both flea bites and bed bug bites are itchy. They can be red, raised, and swollen. Both can be found on the body. Both can be found on the face. Both can be found on the neck. And both can be found on your legs or arms as well!

So if you have small bumps that look like flea bites all over your body, but then you see what looks like large red welts with small black dots under skin that’s been bitten by a bed bug—don’t worry! You’re not alone! These are two different types of bugs who just happen to share some similar traits when biting people (or other mammals).

Differences Between Flea Bites And Bed Bug Bites

  • Flea bites are smaller and more numerous than bed bug bites.
  • Bed bug bites are larger, and fewer in number. They are also more likely to appear in clusters rather than a straight line like flea bites.
  • Flea bites tend to be found on the ankles of the host, while bed bugs prefer areas like the neck or head.

Prevention

  • Use a flea and tick preventative
  • Clean your home regularly
  • Don’t bring pets into your home if they are infested
  • Don’t bring used furniture into your home

References

  • “Bed Bug Bites & Flea Bites” by David Westerman, published on March 19, 2008 at https://www.bedbugregistry.com/flea-vs-bed-bug
  • “Bed Bug Bites and the Signs They Leave Behind” by Jake M., published on March 22, 2016 at https://www.bedbugregistry.com/flea-vs-bed-bug

Knowing the difference between flea bites and bed bug bites can help identify the underlying cause of your itchy skin quickly.

Flea bites are often red and itchy, whereas bed bug bites are usually red and itchy.

Bed bugs tend to bite in a straight line, while fleas will bite randomly. If you have fleas, you’ll probably have more than one spot that’s been bitten..

Conclusion

Bed bugs and fleas are the two most common insects that can bite people. However, bed bugs can also bite pets such as dogs, cats, and rabbits. Bed bug bites and flea bites can look similar to each other. Knowing about their differences will help you decide which treatment to use for your itchy skin.

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REVLON Oil-Absorbing Volcanic Face Roller, Reusable Facial Skincare Tool for At-Home or On-the-Go Mini Massage
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Chiggerex 2X Power First Aid Medicated Ointment for Chiggers, Ticks and Bug Bite Relief with Aloe Vera & Chamomile, 6 oz
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After Bite Itch Eraser (Pen) 14 ml
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Cutter BiteMD Insect Bite Relief Stick, Analgesic And Antiseptic
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