How to Tell the Difference Between Flea Bites and Bed Bug Bites
How to Tell the Difference Between Flea Bites and Bed Bug Bites
Insect bites are often the first sign that your home may have a bug infestation of some type. Its important to know what kind of bites you’re suffering from so you can identify which unwanted pest you’ve got. Once you’ve identified the bites, you can take the appropriate steps to eradicate your unwanted house guests.
Flea bites and bed bug bites are often hard to differentiate. This is due, in part, to the low prevalence of either type of bite. We don’t see nearly as many people with flea bites or bed bug bites compared to mosquito bites or bee stings. Your first clue may be whether or not you feel any pain at the bite mark. Flea bites hurt instantly, while bed bug bites may not hurt until later or sometimes not at all. The location of the bite may also be a good clue as to what type of pest you have. Bed bug bites are generally on the upper body, neck, arms, and shoulders. Flea bites are typically on the feet, ankles, and knees.
What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?
Video Provided By PestWorld.Org
Bed bug bites may take up to 24 hours to become uncomfortable and itchy. Many people assume that a clean and tidy house will make them immune to bed bugs, but this simply isn’t the case. A couple of indicators that your bites may be from bed bugs are the location (generally on the upper body, neck, arms, and shoulders) and the bites will look like raised, flat red bumps and are usually found in rows of three.
Flea bites are generally located on the lower part of the body like the ankles, lower legs, and behind the knees. Flea bites will look more like mosquito bites than bed bug bites will. They tend to be pink with a dark red center and can swell within an hour of the original bite. Flea bites will also be arranged haphazardly, as opposed to in a row like bed bug bites.
If you identify your bites as bed bug bites, its important to call a professional bed bug exterminator right away. Bed bugs are great at hiding and escaping traditional cleaning methods. They’re also becoming increasingly resistant to chemical treatments, so its important to use a professional who has knowledge and experience with the latest bed bug tools, specifically heat treatment extermination methods.
In addition to bed bug bites, you can also look for the following signs of bed bugs:
- Bed bug exoskeletons after molting
- Bed bugs in the folds of your mattress
- Rust colored blood stains on your mattress or sheets
- A musty odor
If you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation, its important to call a professional bed bug exterminator right away. At Bed Bug Seekers, we use the most up to date chemicals that are safe for use in sleeping areas to quickly eradicate your bed bug infestation once and for all. For more information and help treating your bed bug infestation, call us today at 866-551-6552.
