sFlea bites usually look like tiny clusters of swollen red bumps same as a mosquito bite mark. It feels hard and warm to the touch and has a red ring surrounding the area. Bed bugs tend to bite anywhere in the human body mostly in a linear manner while fleas bite randomly.
Both are similar in one aspect, their bites lead to intense itching. Fleas are parasitic insects found mostly on animals rather than humans. If the animal is treated or given preventatives, then you and your family can fear less about getting fleas. However, the treatment does not end with cat and dogs; you have to eliminate fleas from the home also.
On the other hand, bedbugs like their name suggests infests mattresses and bed. They prefer begs because the humans who lay there tend to leave behind dead skin cells that falls off while asleep. It may jump on pets if the chosen human host is not available so your pet is at risk also.
The only way to completely get rid bed bugs and continuously evade them is by keeping your sleeping area squeaky clean.
If you are bitten, try to resist the persistent urge to scratch because this can open up the wound an create a gateway for a bacterial infection. One striking difference in the habitats of these two parasitic insects is that bed bugs thrive in cool areas while fleas prefer the furry nature of animals which is why they infest animals rather than humans.
How to differentiate between a bed bug bite and flea bite
- Bed bugs bites appear in a straight linear row while flea bites are many in a spot and in clusters of red swollen bumps.
- Bed bugs bite anywhere on the body while fleas target lower legs or ankles.
- Beg bug bites are in darker and rough to the touch.
Symptoms of the bites
Bedbugs bites are itchy, so if you start scratching bumps all over, you should check it out. They are likely to develop into blisters and hives.
Flea bites leave you itching persistently on the legs.
How to treat bug bites
The most important thing with flea bite is that you never scratch that itch. First you wash the bite area with an antiseptic soap and clean water to remove every fluid left behind by the insect. Then apply antihistamines to soothe the itch and reduce swelling. Some of the lotions you can purchase include, Benadryl, Calamine and hydrocortisone cream. There are other homemade medications you can use instead too like, green tea, aloe Vera and black tea. (Wash the affected areas with either green tea or black tea)
To treat bed bug bites, prepare a paste with baking soda and water then apply directly to the itchy spot. Leave it to dry and wash off after an hour. Or you can soak a cotton ball in St. John’s Wort or lemon juice and dab on the bite.
Alternatively, you can take a bath with warm water filled with powdered oatmeal, Alka-Seltzer, peppermint oil or baking soda.
Preventive measures against bed bugs
- Remove infested beds from the home
- Remove every clutter around your bed.
- Wrap the mattress in a protecting case to prevent bedbugs from piercing the surface.
- Machine-wash your clothing after you return from a trip.
- Thoroughly scrutinize your luggage before coming home or after for a bug.
- Close up any hole in the mattresses.
- If the house is already infested then try spraying with an effective home recommended pesticide.
Preventive measure against fleas
- Prepare a homemade bug spray with lemon and apply on your ankles.
- Give your pet preventatives once a month.
- Eat garlic as fleas are repelled by garlic.
- Dab essential oils on your ankles and legs.
- Wash and groom your pet frequently.
- Vacuum your house at least five times a week.
- Prepare a bowl of insect killer with water and apple cider vinegar and leave around areas most like with fleas. They will be attracted by the odor and fall into the bowl.