Let’s face it, whether it’s bed bugs or fleas, we don’t want to find either in our bed. But if you’re waking up itching in the morning, it is important to know your enemy.

Bed bugs and fleas both feed on human blood, but their bites create different issues. What are bed bugs exactly? What are fleas?

Let’s take a closer look at fleas vs bed bugs and see what you can do about them!

Fleas vs Bed Bugs – How to Tell the Difference

As the name suggests, bed bugs are tiny creatures that like to inhabit beds and soft furnishings. Fleas are another tiny biting insect, but they prefer to live on furry animals.

Fleas and bed bugs are both visible to the human eye. That said, they are tiny, so it’s possible for them to move in without you noticing.

They are both wingless and they move around differently. Notice one of them hopping? Only fleas can do that.

Bed bugs just slowly crawl along, so that’s an easy way to tell them apart. Fleas are also smaller, whereas bed bugs have a bigger, more apple seed shaped body.

Do Bed Bugs Bite?

Yes, they do and so do fleas. Both feed on human blood, although fleas usually prefer that of furry animals. However, their bites are a little different and produce different reactions.

A bed bug bite is usually not as severe as a flea bite. In fact, some people don’t react at all. Bed bug bites do not spread diseases but can cause reactions in people who are allergic to them.

Flea bites are rather different. They are intensely itchy, for starters. They can cause complications, including a skin infestation called tungiasis.

One of the main differences when looking at bed bugs vs fleas is where they bite. Bed bugs tend to bite the upper parts of the body and the arms. Fleas usually bite around the ankles.

Another unwanted bedroom invader is the dust mite. The difference between dust mite bites and bed bugs? Dust mites don’t actually bite.

However, they can cause an allergic reaction which causes rashes, bumps, and irritation.

Where to Find Fleas and Bed Bugs

If you keep waking up with itchy bites, it’s time to send out a search party. Just where do fleas and bed bugs like to hang out?

When looking for bed bugs, start with the bed itself. They like to squeeze themselves into tiny gaps or crevices. Start with the mattress, box spring, and bedclothes.

If you can’t find them, check out the baseboards and bed frame.

Fleas also like to hide in similar spots. They also leave tell-tale signs of tiny black flecks on your bedsheets. That’s flea poop.

If you notice one of these signs or more, it’s time to call in pest control.

Eradicate Those Bedroom Invaders!

We hope this article has educated you on the differences between fleas vs bed bugs. Whichever you have, you need to take action. Allergic reactions can occur from both, and flea bites can spread disease.

Make sure you call your local pest control team to get the problem under control.

We know you care about keeping your home healthy and beautiful. Don’t forget to check out more of our Home Improvement articles today!