How Do I Know If I Have Bed Bugs Or Fleas?
WouterA simple and quick way to determine if you have fleas or bed bugs is to look for bite marks. The bites of both insects are reddish brown and appear on the skin as small, raised, inflamed red dots. The bites will not itch or have pus or fluid, but they can bleed when excessively scratched.
Fleas and bed bugs are nocturnal parasites and usually enter the home through the piping of a mattress, bed frame, upholstery, or packages. They are more likely to live in the carpet and upholstery of the home. Both types of pests can live up to a year without feeding.
Fleas and bed bugs are attracted to human blood and will feed on the human body. Fleas can also bite pets. Fleas tend to bite the lower leg area of humans, and bed bugs will feed on the torso area. Fortunately, you can protect yourself from bed bug bites by using a bed bug mattress protector.
While both of these insects are blood-sucking pests, they tend to prefer humans over other mammals. While both types of pests can cause allergic reactions, the difference between a bed bug bite and a flea bite is significant. A bed bug’s bite is much larger and not as noticeable as a flea’s.
