Flea Bites Vs. Bed Bug Bites

What are the similarities and the differences between flea bites and bed bug bites? Read on to know more on flea bites vs bed bug bites.
Flea Bites Vs. Bed Bug Bites
You may sometimes see red spots on your arms or legs and wonder if they are flea bites or bed bug bites. One of the annoying feature of both fleas and bed bugs is that they can found everywhere, in houses, in hotel rooms, etc. One has high chances of getting exposed to bed bugs while traveling. How can we tell the difference between flea bites and bed bug bites as they look more or less the same. In order to understand that, we must know more on flea bites and bed bug bites.

Flea Bites

Fleas are blood sucking insects belonging to the Siphonaptera order. They are most commonly found on the coats of pets like cats and dogs. But are also found on rabbits, rats, squirrels and mice. Fleas make use of their specially adapted jaws to cut through the skin and suck blood. The reaction of flea bites differs from person to person. But sometimes it is also observed that some people are completely unaffected by flea bites. Children, especially, are more sensitive to flea bites and may show allergic reaction to it. Read more on home remedies for fleas in house.

Bed Bug Bites

Bed bug bites are difficult to identify as they look more or less like mosquito bites. But the thing to look out for is the typical pattern that bed bugs follow when they bite. Many people confuse beg bug bites to other allergies and try to find out different ways to overcome it. One must also remember that bed bugs are nocturnal insects and they mostly bite at night. Let us know more on bed bug vs flea bites. Read more on how to get rid of bed bugs.

Flea Bites Vs Bed Bug Bites

It is really difficult to point out the exact difference between a flea bite and bed bug bite because the reaction of both these bites is different on different people. Whatever the case, there are a few major differences between flea bite and bed bug bite. Let us have a look at it in detail.
  • The basic difference seen in flea bites vs bed bug bites is that flea bites are small bumps surrounded by a halo. On the contrary, bed bug bites are red, hard and slightly raised like mosquito bites.
  • Flea bites on humans are found in random and irregular manner, whereas bed bug bites are found in a straight row or in a linear manner.
  • When comparing flea bites vs bed bug bites, the common observation is that bed bug bites can be found all over the body. On the other hand, flea bites are mostly found on legs and ankles. Flea bites are rarely found on the upper part of the body.
  • Flea Bites cause itching that is really bothersome for animals as well as humans. Sometimes flea bites can also develop into allergies or cause excessive swelling. Similarly bed bug bites are also sharp and itchy.
Read more on: Once you are sure that you have got bitten by a flea or a bed bug, you must immediately follow two things. Firstly, try to treat the flea or bed bug bite as soon as possible and secondly make use of insecticides or other means for effectual pest control. Immediate pest control is very essential as both, fleas and bed bugs reproduce, multiply and spread at a very fast rate. Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene also plays an important role in preventing bed bug and flea infestation. If you observe larger spots on your skin due to flea or bed bug bite, you must immediately see the doctor. One must be aware of flea bites vs bed bug bites to get immediate and proper treatment.

By Madhura P
Published: 10/28/2009
 
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