{"id":7722,"date":"2024-08-06T12:52:15","date_gmt":"2024-08-06T12:52:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/2024\/08\/06\/publishbed-bugs-vs-fleas000openopen\/"},"modified":"2026-05-23T05:40:03","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T05:40:03","slug":"bed-bugs-vs-fleas-whats-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/blog\/bed-bugs-vs-fleas-whats-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Bed Bugs vs. Fleas: What\u2019s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Suffering from itchy bug bites is painful. And it gets annoying when it happens frequently!<\/p>\n<p>The best way to prevent this is by identifying what\u2019s biting you constantly. Most frequently, it\u2019s one of these: fleas or bed bugs.<\/p>\n<p>But before assuming it can be either, you\u2019ve to dissect what\u2019s causing a wreck in your house carefully! Although they seem similar, they\u2019re far from being the same. Read this article further, so you\u2019ll get a precise idea of what you\u2019re dealing with!<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/blog\/bed-bugs-vs-fleas-whats-the-difference\/#Bed_Bugs_vs_Fleas\" >Bed Bugs vs Fleas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/blog\/bed-bugs-vs-fleas-whats-the-difference\/#Bed_Bugs_Bites_vs_Flea_Bites\" >Bed Bugs Bites vs Flea Bites<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/blog\/bed-bugs-vs-fleas-whats-the-difference\/#Fleas_vs_Bed_Bugs_How_Do_They_Enter_Homes\" >Fleas vs. Bed Bugs: How Do They Enter Homes?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/blog\/bed-bugs-vs-fleas-whats-the-difference\/#Similarities_Between_Fleas_and_Bed_Bugs\" >Similarities Between Fleas and Bed Bugs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/blog\/bed-bugs-vs-fleas-whats-the-difference\/#How_to_Prevent_Fleas_and_Bed_Bugs\" >How to Prevent Fleas and Bed Bugs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bed_Bugs_vs_Fleas\"><\/span>Bed Bugs vs Fleas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>While both of these parasites require warm blood to live, here\u2019re a few differences that set them apart:<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"111\"><\/td>\n<td width=\"265\"><strong>Fleas<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"263\"><strong>Bed Bugs<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"111\"><strong>Size &amp; Shape<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"265\">Long, narrow and 1\/8 in size.<\/td>\n<td width=\"263\">Flat, oval and less than 1\/4 in size.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"111\"><strong>Hosts<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"265\">Prefer animals as their hosts; but can feed on humans.<\/td>\n<td width=\"263\">Prefer humans as their hosts; but can feed on animals.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"111\"><strong>Movement<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"265\">Can\u2019t fly, however, their strong and long legs help them jump and move quickly.<\/td>\n<td width=\"263\">Neither can fly nor jump as they move slowly.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"111\"><strong>Hiding Spot<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"265\">Latch on the host. But you can find their eggs on carpets, drapes, pet beds and furniture.<\/td>\n<td width=\"263\">Hide in cracks and crevices. <a href=\"https:\/\/takecaretermite.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-bed-bugs-in-a-mattress\/\">Bed bugs can be found in mattresses<\/a>, bedding, furniture and headboard.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"111\"><strong>Bites<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"265\">Red itchy bumps with a red ring around them. Flea bites on humans can be seen on ankles and legs.<\/td>\n<td width=\"263\">Bed bug bites cause a cluster of red itchy bumps on exposed areas while sleeping.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bed_Bugs_Bites_vs_Flea_Bites\"><\/span>Bed Bugs Bites vs Flea Bites<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>If the red marks on your body are itchy, it\u2019s likely that you\u2019re bitten by a bed bug. If you suspect an infestation, <a href=\"https:\/\/takecaretermite.com\/blog\/how-to-find-bed-bugs\/\">check for bed bugs thoroughly<\/a> around your house. Inspect your kids and pets for any bite marks.<\/p>\n<p>Depending on the person and situation, it\u2019s quite difficult to differentiate bed bug bites from flea bites. But that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s impossible! Here\u2019re a few points to keep in mind while inspecting a bite:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"list-item\">\n<li>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 0!important;\">Flea bites imitate mosquito bites. Placed at random areas, they\u2019re dot-like with a dark red center from where they suck blood. It swells within an hour and starts itching immediately. The bite can turn into a sore or a blister within two days. Adult female fleas will feed on blood numerous times, day and night, and sometimes even for hours!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"list-item\">\n<li>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 0!important;\">Compared with fleas, <a style=\"font-size: 16px;\" href=\"https:\/\/takecaretermite.com\/blog\/we-answer-12-questions-about-bed-bug-bites\/\">bed bug bites<\/a><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\"> are more raised and flat. This happens as an allergic reaction to the anticoagulants and anesthesia found in their saliva. It consists of a straight line of three or four bites; however, that\u2019s not the case always.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>It may take a few days or weeks for their bites to show up. Once the anesthesia from their saliva wears off, the bite starts itching. The bed bugs come out every seven to ten days for their meal as you sleep!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fleas_vs_Bed_Bugs_How_Do_They_Enter_Homes\"><\/span>Fleas vs. Bed Bugs: How Do They Enter Homes?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Fleas and bed bugs are small and blood-sucking parasites who\u2019re unwelcomed at everyone\u2019s homes! However, these tiny creatures somehow find their way to creep inside your house.<\/p>\n<p>You may have maintained all the necessary precautions and cleanliness are they still creeping into your paradise? Here\u2019re the different ways in which these crawlers may enter:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"list-item\">\n<li>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 0!important;\">The most common way fleas enter your home is through your furry friends. Yes, cats and dogs \u2013 human\u2019s best support, can be one of the major reasons behind attracting <a style=\"font-size: 16px;\" href=\"https:\/\/takecaretermite.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-fleas-in-house-fast\/\">fleas in the house<\/a><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">! But what if you don\u2019t have any animal friends allowed inside?<\/span><\/p>\n<p>If not animals, fleas can come through old pieces of clothing, furniture, or a person who\u2019s already infested. Although they don\u2019t use humans as hosts to enter our homes, they can travel on us and start an infestation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"list-item\">\n<li>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 0!important;\">These parasitic insects can hitch to luggage, backpacks, bags, or items on upholstered surfaces. Moreover, if you\u2019re thinking of investing in second-hand furniture, keep an eye out for these guests! Using infested furniture can also be an invitation for bed bugs.<\/p>\n<p>They can also travel through different rooms in apartments and hotels. So if you\u2019re wondering why you are sharing your house with them, ask your neighbors!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Similarities_Between_Fleas_and_Bed_Bugs\"><\/span>Similarities Between Fleas and Bed Bugs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>While these two parasites are different with regard to a lot of things, we can still see some similarities.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"list-item\">\n<li>These parasites are popular for surviving on blood! And they bite both humans and animals.<\/li>\n<li>Both these pests have a small brown body that takes on a reddish hue after feeding on blood.<\/li>\n<li>Although they\u2019re small, the naked human eye can still catch them.<\/li>\n<li>Fleas and bed bugs are known for being sneaky! They can find their way inside your home by hitching a ride on you, your pets, or things.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Prevent_Fleas_and_Bed_Bugs\"><\/span>How to Prevent Fleas and Bed Bugs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>It\u2019s never fun to run around in panic mode after spotting a bed bug or seeing your pets suffering from a flea infestation. Moreover, it\u2019s always better to prevent than to cure!<\/p>\n<p>So if you\u2019re planning to bring used or new furniture into your house, double-check! If you\u2019re staying in a hotel, inspect the headboards and the seam of the mattress. Get regular flea treatments for your pet from your veterinarian!<\/p>\n<p>Identify what kind of pest infestation you\u2019re suffering, and based on that, start searching for all the possible ways in which you can get rid of them. However, dealing with these parasites is challenging. Cleaning your mattresses or bathing your pets isn\u2019t a strong solution. So, let the experts intervene!<\/p>\n<p>If you live in the Central Valley, Tri-Valley, and the surrounding areas, and you need pest control, contact <a href=\"https:\/\/takecaretermite.com\/\">Take Care Termite<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p><!-- FAQ Schema --><br \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"Bed Bugs vs Fleas\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Fleas are small, narrow and up to 1\/8 inch in size, while bed bugs are flat, oval, and less than 1\/4 inch in size. Flea eggs can be found on carpets, drapes, pet beds, and furniture, while bed bugs hide in cracks and crevices, including mattresses, bedding, furniture, and headboards.\"\n    }\n  },{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"Bed Bugs Bites vs Flea Bites\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Flea bites resemble mosquito bites, appearing as dark red dots with swelling and itching. Bed bug bites are flat and raised, causing a cluster of itchy bumps on exposed areas while sleeping. In some cases, flea bites may turn into sores or blisters within a couple of days.\"\n    }\n  },{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"Fleas vs. Bed Bugs: How Do They Enter Homes?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Fleas usually enter your home through your pets, such as cats and dogs. On the other hand, bed bugs can travel on luggage, backpacks, or items on upholstered surfaces. 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Have your home undergo regular pest inspections and pest control treatments to prevent future pest infestations, which can save you time and money.\"\n    }\n  }]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bed bugs or Fleas! They seem similar but they\u2019re far from being the same. Read this article further, so you\u2019ll get a precise idea of what you\u2019re dealing with.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7723,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7722","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7722","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7722"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7722\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13671,"href":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7722\/revisions\/13671"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7723"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7722"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7722"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnsfly.com\/takecaretermite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7722"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}