Bed bugs Vs. Fleas
Common parasites in the home
Bed bugs and fleas both share a similar trait of being parasites in the home. They are a bit challenging to control in the home because of their high reproduction. Inside the house, bed bugs and fleas can breed exponentially. The blood they feed on humans and animals help to enhance their reproductive process. These parasites are professional hitchhikers and they use their small size to their advantage in feeding and in moving from place to place. They can latch on to some of your personal belongings and other items like;
- Luggage and bags
- Clothing
- Secondhand furniture
- Mattresses and box springs
It has to be said that bed bugs and flea share close similarities, and these makes it hard to differentiate between the two of them. Their infestations are quite similar, and even their bites as well. For homeowners, it is essential to know the difference between both, as this will help in making sure the right eradication method is utilized.
How to tell the difference between Bed Bugs and Fleas
Movement
A telling difference between bed bugs and fleas is their mode of movement. Whereas bed bugs cannot fly or jump, and they crawl and move slowly, Fleas on the other hand, move faster and due to their strong legs and they can jump as well.
Appearance
Bed bugs and Fleas are reddish brown in color. On closer inspection, bed bugs have a flat oval-shape, while on the other hand, fleas have long, flat, narrow bodies.
Hosts
Both parasitic pest feed on the blood of mammals in general. Bed bugs predominantly feed on humans and occasionally on animals in the absence of humans. Fleas, feed predominantly on cats and dogs but they occasionally feed on humans.
Note that bite marks aren’t sufficient to identify bed bugs and fleas as different individuals react differently to these bites.
How to treat Bed bugs and Fleas
Because of their strong appetite for blood, bed bugs and fleas often have to live close to their source of food. This is why they take harbor-ages in homes. A thorough house cleaning and constant bathing of pets can help reduce the population of these pests, although that alone won’t stop the infestation.
