Bed bug and flea bites on humans are itchy but differ in presentation. The former has a characteristic three red spots usually on the feet and ankles, while the latter has zigzagged welts on exposed skin.
Apart from that, there are fleas and bed bugs, which are small insects, and they will bite animals or even people, according to American Academy of Dermatology Association. Bed bugs: overview. Do read on further to know what the differences are between flea bites and bed bugs and what should be done when either occurs.
Flea Bites
Flea bites are small, red dots that appear in clusters of three on your feet and ankles. They can become papular urticaria, which are itchy welts that can become painful and hot to the touch.
Do not scratch flea bites. Fleas carry bacteria that can lead to infections if the bites become open sores. Fleas can carry bacteria that cause plague and typhus, uncommon illnesses in the United States.
- Pain
- Pus that oozes from the affected area
- Redness
- Swelling
Causes and Risk Factors
Fleas are small insects that prefer to live on cats and dogs. The presence of pets can help you determine if you are dealing with a flea bite or something else. There’s a possibility your pet has fleas if:
- They are very itchy
- You see tiny dots on their fur
- You see tiny insects on your furniture and other household items
If they cannot find any other alternative, the fleas would turn to the humans. Probably, you can attract fleas if your pet has been gone from the house for a certain period of time.
Treatment
You can take an oral or topical antihistamine to reduce itching. You can apply a topical antibacterial solution to prevent infection and help calm your skin. Avoid taking hot baths or showers as they can irritate flea bites.
Bed Bug Bites
You will only know you have been bitten by bed bugs when small marks appear on your skin. You may also see specks of blood on your sheets, indicating bed bugs.
The bites of bed bugs are usually indistinguishable from mosquito bites. The insects administer an anesthetic and an anticoagulant, which delay the clotting of blood.
- Bed bug bites may sometimes cause welts that are:
- Appearing in a line, often zigzagging
- Intensely itchy
- Generally found on exposed parts of your body when you sleep
Although rare, allergic reactions to bed bug bites may include enlarged bite marks, painful swellings at the bite site, and anaphylaxis. This is a potentially life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
Causes and Risk Factors
Bed bugs do not just live on or in mattresses. You may also find bed bugs in the couch and chair seams, curtain folds, and between cushions.
Bed bugs also live in wall crevices or cracks. Again, remember that the cleanliness of living conditions determines whether bed bugs live there or not.
Treatment
Home treatments: You can alleviate discomfort by applying a topical corticosteroid to bed bug bites. Regular washing of the affected area with soap and water can prevent infection.
For an allergic reaction, blisters, infection, or multiple bed bug bites, see an allergist. They may prescribe further treatment, either an antibiotic or an antihistamine, based on your symptoms.
How to Get Rid of Fleas and Bed Bugs
You will require a professional pest control company to treat your home with pesticides if you have a flea or bed bug infestation. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Getting rid of fleas.
While doing this, some ways of ridding and preventing these insects have been highlighted as follows:
Elimination of Fleas
Fleas take a long period of time to breed, thus becoming hard to get rid of. Ensure bedding and pet bedding, edges of walls, and floors are cleaned since fleas tend to multiply in those areas. Bathe your pets using soap and water then comb off the insects on their fur
Removal of Bed Bugs
Bed bug repellents are not very effective. It’s best to call a professional pest control company to treat your home. Depending on the number of insects, you may be able to eradicate them in your home.
- Control beg bugs with a vacuum
- Control areas where you think bed bugs might hide, such as the baseboard around your bed, bed frames, carpets, and any other dark place.
- Ensure that there are no dark places where bed bugs may hide, such as in books, clothing, or cracks in the walls
- Move your furniture a few inches from the walls to ensure that bed bugs cannot reach them
- Dispose of any items you cannot treat with a vacuum or heat
- Wash your bedding and clothing in warm water and dry them in a hot dryer for at least 30 minutes
