In this article, we will share some information about the difference between bed bug bites and flea bites. We hope that you find this article helpful and informative!
Bed bug bites are usually painful while flea bites are not as painful as bed bug bites. Bed bug bites can also be itchy while flea bites typically don’t itch. Bed bugs typically leave a smelly trail of blood which is a tell-tale sign that the person has been bitten by a bed bug; however, there is no such thing as fleas. It’s always worth checking for fleas before you jump to conclusions about what got you bit by anything because not every bite from an insect is dangerous.
What are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small parasitic insects that feed on human blood while they sleep. It is estimated that there are about 3.5 million people in the United States who have bed bug bites each year, according to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
They are primarily nocturnal insects that feed on the blood of their hosts while they sleep. The adults lay eggs in cracks and crevices or, in rare cases, directly onto beds or furniture where their larvae will develop. Although there are many species of bed bugs, Cimex lectularius is the best-known species found worldwide. Bedbugs reproduce quickly so it’s not always easy to get rid of them without having to use pesticides or other methods of extermination. Bed bugs must be exterminated either through chemicals or by fumigation.
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are small, wingless insects that can infest carpets, furniture, and even clothing. They feed on the blood of their hosts and leave behind itchy bites in their wake. Fleas are incredibly difficult to control with traditional methods like dusting or spraying because they leap out of sight when disturbed.
They are common parasites that live on domestic animals and humans and can cause significant discomfort or illness. They jump from host to host. There are a number of species of fleas, but only two species of fleas – the cat flea and dog flea – have been found to be able to transmit diseases through their bites. Fleas are usually found living on the bodies of their hosts for between one to two months before they die off or jump onto a new host.
Differences Between Bed Bug & Flea Bites
It is important to know the distinction between bed bugs and flea bites so you can properly treat them. If you’ve recently found a bed bug infestation in your home, it’s important to identify the type of critter causing it and address it accordingly.
Location of the Bites
Bed bugs bites are usually found on your upper body because bed bugs often make their nests in or around bedding material like sheets and mattresses, thereby bringing them closer to the head of the bed when they seek blood sources.
Fleas bites are found on the legs or any other part of the body, but they show up in clusters that are usually around the ankles. This is because Your legs are typically within leaping distance for fleas. They can’t fly, so fleas find hosts to feed off of by jumping. Fleas can jump up to 35 centimeters/13 inches and they normally use their long, whip-like hind legs to take flight. Their front two legs are for steering while in flight and while landing, losing a lot of energy that would otherwise be used for indiscriminate biting.
Size & Color
Size and color are important factors in determining any kind of insect bite. And Although the symptoms they cause might seem similar, there are some subtle differences that help you distinguish a flea bite from a bed bug bite.
Flea bites are small, bright red, and usually occur in clusters. These bites are so closely grouped together that they might even form patterns across your skin. There are three different types of flea bites: the scab, the wheal, and the papule. Scabs take about two weeks to form and can be treated with antibiotic ointments or hydrocortisone creams. Wheals heal
Bed bug bites are usually the red, itchy, bites that you get in your sleep with overwhelming itchiness. But there are other symptoms you might experience before getting bitten by bed bugs including red spots on the skin or rashes in your sleep with a very bad smell coming out of where they bite you.
Bed bug bites often look like reddish welts, lightly larger, Some people may be confused because flea bites tend to be bright red; Bed bug bites are not complex in their pattern. They’re grouped together in a line or zigzag because they create a lot of salivae while feeding on you.
The Time of Day That You Were Bitten
Bed bugs and fleas have different feeding habits that allow you to easily identify the culprit. Bed bugs are nocturnal creatures. During the day, they gather together in secluded hiding places. They typically take shelter in secluded, dark places during the day and then come out to feed at night. Bed bugs are most active during the night, which means it is unlikely that they’ll bit you during the day.
Fleas are known to feed whenever they want to feed and travel whenever they feel like it. The average person has seen a flea in their house when they least expect it, which is when the bug is most active. You’ll know right away if you’re dealing with fleas because you’ll see them crawling along your body during the day.
How To Treat Flea Bites
What should you do if you find yourself with a flea bite? The first step is to remove the flea from the skin as soon as possible. Do this by using rubbing alcohol or soaking in hot water. Then, place a small amount of petroleum jelly (or other natural oil) on the skin, and cover it with plastic wrap for about 20 minutes. After about 10 minutes, remove the plastic. They are their method you can use
Over-the-Counter Treatments
What should you do to get rid of a flea bite itch? If you’re looking for a way to quickly and safely treat the discomfort, then oral antihistamines and topical antihistamine creams might be the answer. As flea bites continue to be a problem, many people are trying to find ways to keep these pests away. Oral antihistamine pills can help to reduce the itchiness of your skin but also have the side effect of making you feel drowsy. Topical creams can provide relief from the itchiness of flea bites
Lotions:
Skin lotions can be used for some relief of itchiness, Many people use aloe vera gel or calamine lotion. Their cooling properties reduce swelling and inflammation, and the minerals and vitamins found in them moisturize the skin and promote healing.
Home Remedies:
Flea bites are pesky, itchy bites that can cause intense discomfort. But there are plenty of natural remedies you can use to treat your flea bites without having to resort to over-the-counter medications. Cold compresses and liquid astringents, such as witch hazel or apple cider vinegar, are 2 commonly used home treatments that can help ease the pain and itchiness in your skin.
How To Treat Bed Bug Bites
Bed bugs can they can make you feel like your skin is on fire. Bed bug bites will naturally heal after 1-2 weeks. But there are effective treatments for bed bug bites that don’t involve calling or visiting the ER. You can treat bed bug bites at home with natural remedies, such as baking soda, calamine lotion and tea tree oil. To learn more about treating bed bug bites at home and how to prevent them in the future, check out this article: How To Treat Bed Bug Bites At Home And Prevent Them In The Future Not only do the above treatments help your body’s immune system, they also reduce the severity of the symptoms associated with bug bites.
Reducing the effects of the symptoms means you’re less likely to experience skin irritation, which reduces the risk of infection or other harmful symptoms.
Conclusion:
Bed bugs are not the only insects that bite. Flea bites look very similar to bed bug bites, but they will have a small black dot in the center of the bite. This small black dot is flea feces and can be found on the skin surrounding a flea bite. If you’re bitten by a flea, it’s important to treat your home for fleas as well as any pets present so it doesn’t turn into an infestation
