Fleas and bed bugs have a few key similarities: both are small, feed on blood, and are never welcome. How can you tell what kind of uninvited guests you are dealing with? You can tell by looking at the bite and appearance of the bug. Imagine Care pest control can help with this.
If you have an infestation of bed bugs or fleas, then we have the solution. Contacting Perseverance Pest Control is the first step to eliminating a problem that could get worse. Don’t let tiny disturbances ruin your day. Perseverance Pest Control is your local expert in eliminating pests for you.
Bite of bed bugs and fleas
There is a noticeable difference in the bite of these bugs. Bed bugs tend to bite on the upper body, whereas fleas tend to bite on the lower body. Is it itchy immediately after the bite? It might be a flea. Some people don’t show an itching reaction to bed bug bites. No matter which kind of bites you encounter, you should take them seriously and look for other signs that an infestation may be present.
What are they feeding on? Adult fleas, like bed bugs, feed on blood to reproduce, but the larvae of fleas will feed on frass or feces. Finally, the most common distinction is that fleas prefer animals, and bed bugs prefer humans.
Either way, it is essential to check if there is an infestation of these tiny disturbing creatures.
Flea Control Solutions – Shutterstock.
The appearance of bed bugs and fleas
What does the little crawling bug look like sideways? Fleas will look narrow, but bed bugs will appear wider and flatter. The average size for an adult flea is ⅛ inch long, but the average size for an adult bed bug is a bit bigger at 3/16 inch long.
What is the color? Both adult bugs are brown, but bed bugs will look reddish after drinking blood.
These bugs mature in different processes, too. Fleas change from larvae to an adult by a complete metamorphosis: eggs, larvae, pupae, and finally an adult. However, a bed bug will mature through a slower metamorphosis: eggs, nymphs in several stages, and finally an adult.
Here are some appearance differences through their maturation stages:
- Bed bug nymphs look smaller and paler adult bed bugs
- Cat flea larvae closely are easily detectable by looking like maggots
- Cat fleas and bed bug eggs are white, but the fleas have a pearly shine
Prevention
Most people wait until they see an infestation to act. Don’t let that be you! Start with prevention. If you manage or work for a business where people sleep (like a hotel or apartment building) you can imagine how an outbreak would cause an immense amount of stress. If you’re a pet owner, you would never want your pet to have to suffer from fleas.
Staying in a hotel? It’s a good practice to check the headboard of the bed and the seam of the mattress in your hotel room for bed bugs. Bringing furniture into your house? Check around for bed bugs here too.
Flea prevention starts with your veterinarian or help from a flea pest control company. Be sure your pet is getting its regular treatments.
Elimination Of Fleas And Bed Bugs
If you notice you have a bed bug or flea issue, have it taken care of as soon as possible.
Here are some signs of an infestation:
- Shed bed bug skins
- Black fecal spots
- Adult bed bugs
- Excessive scratching from your pet.
Fleas Life Cycle – Shutterstock.
Know where to look. Bed bugs can often be found near or on a bed, or anywhere seating area. Take a look around places your pet likes to spend time: this is normally where cat fleas can be found.
Imagine Care Pest Control accommodates your particular infestation issue with treatments to eliminate these unwanted insects. If your pet has fleas, visiting a vet for flea treatments is a great first step.
Unfortunately, if you reside in Kenya, fleas and bed bugs are prevalent all year. Fleas tend to come out most in the spring and summer but staying aware of the signs all year long is a good strategy.
At Imagine Care, we understand bed bugs and fleas infesting your space is overwhelming. Our team is happy to eliminate the problem. Don’t wait. Contact us on 0759292158, 0103055943, 0742448334, 0756432285, or drop an email to to come out and take a closer look.
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