You may find that there are some red spots on your skin and you wonder whether they are bed bug bites or flea bites. You can read the difference between the bed bug bites and flea bites bites below according to the Healthline site.
Flea Bites
Fleas are small insects which suck blood. According to the Healthline site, 5% of the flea population lives on pets. Usually, humans can be bitten by fleas via pets that they have. It is important for you to know that fleas are not able to fly, but they have the ability to jump to 18 cm. When they are on a host, then they will start to bite.
How are the symptoms of flea bites? Usually, flea bites are small red marks which can be found on your skin and usually it has intense itching. The bites of fleas usually happen on or near the ankles, feet and lower legs, waist, armpits, elbows and knees and other skin folds.
Let’s say that you are allergic to fleas. If so, you may develop hives or a rash. The area which is affected may also swell and blister. If there is a blister and it breaks, an infection may happen. If the affected area is scratched and it opens the skin, you may get a secondary infection.
Fleas are able to infest your skin. Burrowing fleas are able to cause an infestation named tungiasis. It almost always happens around the feet and toes. This flea is able to dig under your skin to feed. Even though the flea will die after two weeks, but it can cause a complicated skin infection afterwards.
Treating Flea Bites
The first treatment that you can take when you have flea bites is washing the bites with soap and water. If needed, you are able to apply a topical anti-itch cream. If you want to relieve itchiness, you can also take a lukewarm bath with oatmeal. It is better for you to avoid taking a bath with hot water because it may make itching more severe.
Let’s say that you suspect that you are allergic. If so, you are able to take an antihistamine. It is done to reduce your chances of an allergic reaction. If you are afraid that you have an infection or if the bites do not clear up after a few weeks, you are able to visit your doctor.
According to the Healthline site, reducing the chances of fleas in your home can be done by doing the things below.
- You have to keep your floors and furniture clean. It can be done by vacuuming.
- You have to clean your carpet with steam.
- You have to mow your lawn if your pests spend time outdoors.
- You are able to use a pest control service.
- You have to wash your pet with soap and water.
- You have to examine your pets for fleas.
- You have to put a flea collar on your pet or treat your pet with a monthly medication.
Bed Bug Bites
Same as fleas, bed bugs also suck blood. Bed bugs are small and have a reddish brown color and also oval shape. During the day, you may not see them because at that time, they hide in dark places. They usually bite people when people are sleeping. Why? It is because bed bugs are attracted to the heat of your body and the carbon dioxide which is produced when you exhale. Usually, bed bugs hide in bed frames, mattresses, box springs and carpets.
Bed bugs usually bite on the upper half of the body such as arms, hands, neck and face. Their bites are small and have a dark red spot in the middle of a raised area of the skin. Their bites also usually appear in a cluster or in a line. If you scratch them, they can be worse.
There are some people who may have a serious reaction to the bites of bed bugs. The area which is affected may swell or be irritated so that it becomes a blister. It may develop hives or a more severe rash.
Treating Bed Bug Bites
After a week or two weeks, usually bed bug bites vanish. However, if the bites do not vanish after a few weeks, there is a secondary infection from scratching the bites, or you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, you have to visit your doctor.
A topical steroid can be used to treat bed bug bites on your skin. If you have an allergic reaction, you may take oral antihistamines or steroids. Your doctor may give you a prescription to have antibiotics.
If you are sure there are bed bugs at your home, you have to remove them by doing the things below.
- You can vacuum and clean your floors and furniture.
- You are able to launder your bed linens and other upholstery. You can use a hot washer and dryer to kill the bugs.
- You can take things out of your room and set them in below-freezing temperatures for several days.
- You are able to hire a pest control service to treat your home.
- You can remove infested items from your home permanently.
The Difference Between Flea Bites and Bed Bug Bites
From the explanation above which is based on the explanation on the Healthline site, you have read the difference between flea and bed bug bites. However, here I will show you again the key differences between flea bites and bed bug bites according to the Medical News Today site.
| Fleas | Bed Bugs | |
| Symptoms | Flea bites are able to cause small bumps and they have a tendency to be very itchy. | Their bites can be seen as small red spots that may or may not be itchy. |
| Development | There may be a dark red center and they may develop into blisters. If you scratch them, it can lead to infection. | Over time, it may generate a hard, white swelling that may bleed. |
| Pattern | They may group into clusters or lines. | Sometimes, they can be seen in a straight line of three or four bites. |
| Frequency | Fleas can bite whenever they have a chance. | Bed bugs usually feed every 3 days and they usually feed at night. |
The Similarities Between Flea Bites and Bed Bug Bites
According to the Smithereen Pest Management Services, the main similarity between flea bites and bed bug bites are their itchiness and the red swelling that accompanies both of them.
