Bed Bugs vs Fleas

While bed bugs are mostly found in home mattresses and furniture, fleas usually infest pets like cats and dogs.

Bed bugs and fleas are both parasitic insects that can cause multiple problems to humans, ranging from itchy bites or rashes to psychological effects on humans.

Fleas can even transmit infectious diseases. It is easier to control flea infestation in the home than it is to get rid of bed bugs.

So, what are the similarities between bedbugs and fleas? Well, bed bugs are small, flat and brown insects and fleas are small, long and brown too. Bed bugs are bigger in size in comparison to fleas.

Bed Bugs don’t spread infectious diseases but fleas can. Bed Bugs do not hurt but are quite itchy and they can also, lead to rashes on your body too.

Fleas, on the other hand, can cause swelling on pets and can also, be felt too.

To identify bed bugs or fleas you need to know the differences in identification methods, to identify bed bugs. Also, you need to see if your sheets have stains which don't look familiar or normal, and you need to check if there are also, dark spots on your bedding too.

Treatment of infestation

Fleas however are visible on pets clearly, so this is how you can identify if your pet has fleas or not. Bedbugs are difficult to get rid of so we suggest calling in professionals if you can’t get rid of them yourselves.

Pest control professionals use chemicals and non-chemical procedures depending on the severity of the infestation.

Most treatments include putting duvets and clothing in the dryer at high temperatures. Areas which are infested should be heated at 113F for 60 minutes.

Flea infestations are the opposite, flea infestations can be treated by vacuuming carpets, furniture, and upholstery to remove fleas and their eggs too.

Rugs should be beaten outdoors to prevent more spread of infestation and this should be the same for pet bedding too. Fleas on pets, however, should be killed using certain products on their fur.

How to prevent infestations?

Flea infestations can be prevented by washing your pet’s bedding every week. However, bed bug infestations can be difficult to prevent.

Although, we do suggest if you decide to choose to buy second-hand furniture be careful of infestation and thoroughly check hiding spots such as mattress covers.

To also prevent bed bug infestations, ensure you reduce clutter in your home as this is the most common hiding place for bed bugs. Also, vacuum your beddings and duvets as often as you can to prevent infestation too.