Fleas and bed bugs are a severe problem for most people. You can usually find them in homes, apartments, hotels, and even schools.
It can be challenging to tell bed bugs and fleas apart because they are both tiny creatures. Both pests can sneak into homes and cause a lot of damage. Aside from their size, here are some of their similar behaviours:
- They hide in mattresses, luggage, clothing, and furniture
Bedbugs and fleas can hide in your mattress, luggage, clothing, and furniture. They can also be transferred to your home through infested furniture and clothing. Mattresses are a particular hot spot for them to hide as they are often left unmoved for several months.
- They are parasitic creatures.
Bedbugs feed on human blood by biting their host while they sleep. On the other hand, fleas are small wingless insects that feed on blood from mammals like dogs, cats, and humans if they can’t find any other food sources around them.
- They are both nocturnal creatures.
These pests are often found in or near beds, and infestations typically happen during the night. The bugs enter through small cracks in the bed frame or headboard, often brought into the home on second-hand furniture, clothing, or bedding.
Differentiating Bed Bugs and Fleas
So, to illustrate this better, here are some key features you should know about flea vs bed bugs:
- Appearance
Bedbugs have a flat, oval-shaped body with six legs and antennae, while Fleas, on the other hand, are small wingless insects.
- Choice of host
Fleas and bed bugs are two different parasites that live in different environments. The main difference between fleas and bed bugs is that fleas live on animals, whereas bed bugs live in the background.
Bed bugs are a common problem in many homes. They can infest beds, furniture, and carpets. Meanwhile, Fleas are insects that feed on blood from pets or humans and live in rugs or animal fur.
- Movement
Fleas are wingless and jump, while bed bugs are wingless and crawl. Fleas thrive in humid weather, while bed bugs need dry conditions to survive.
- Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms of bed bug infestation are bites on the skin, which may not be visible at first but turn into red welts that itch. There will also be visible red or black spots on mattresses, sheets, or upholstery where they live.
As for fleas, you will see them jumping in front of you when walking around your home, especially on your pet’s coat.
Treating Infestations
Fleas and bed bugs can cause a lot of frustration if they are left untreated. Although there are many treatments for both, knowing which one is best for your specific situation is essential.
- Clean your home regularly and pay close attention to your mattress, carpet, and other furniture
An unclean home is not only unhealthy, but it is also a breeding ground for germs and bacteria that can make an individual sick. Research has shown that a person’s home, including their mattress, carpet, and other furniture, has three times more toxins than they do in their own body.
- Wash your pets
Fleas are a common problem for pets and their owners. These pesky little bugs can live on your pet, in your home, or both. One of the best things you can do is wash your pet regularly with a safe shampoo that kills fleas and larvae.
- Contact pest control services
Like in many countries, fleas and bed bugs are a common problem in Singapore. When you find out that your home is infested with these pests, the first thing you should do is to contact a pest control company.
The best pest control service will be able to remove fleas and bed bugs from your home quickly and efficiently. They will also provide you with advice on preventing them from coming back.
Conclusion
Fleas and bedbugs are not too different when it comes down to their potential health risks. Therefore, you should be paying attention to whether these pests have infested your home and take necessary measures against them as soon as possible.
