No one likes to think about getting bitten by bugs. Tiny welts that swell, turn red and itch can be irritating and sometimes even dangerous. Bed bugs and fleas are common culprits, but they are very different in many ways.
In order to know how to prevent or treat the bites and your home, you must first start with knowing what bit you. Do you know the difference between bed bug bites vs flea bites or bed bug bites vs mosquito bites?
Let’s take a look at some of those differences and how you can protect yourself and your family.
We collected information from our exterminator for bed bugs in Vancouver. Below you’ll find outlined information to help you determine the source of your problem.
Bed Bug Bites vs Flea Bites – Symptoms
The bite of both the bed bug and the flea may feel similar, but one of the biggest differences is when you first notice the bite itself.
The sting of a flea bite is felt almost immediately. They generally only appear around the lower body including the ankles, calves, behind the knees and sometimes the abdomen.
Flea bites occur in groups or clusters that look pink and have a dark red center. They start to swell and itch as soon as the bite occurs and fleas will bite every chance they get.
If you are looking for a better way to get rid of fleas, here are some natural alternatives for flea prevention.
Bed bug bites are different from flea bites in that you will not typically notice any symptoms for several hours. Because you will most likely get bitten in your bed or in an area while you are sleeping or still, the bites are usually located in the areas clothing doesn’t cover while sleeping.
The bites may form in a line and have red, swollen welts that are more noticeable than those of a flea bite. Bed bugs do not feed as often, and may only bite every few days or so. There can be a pattern, but not always and some people show no signs at all.
Fleas vs Bed Bugs – Where They Live
Fleas are usually found on pets and are big fans of furry animals. This is typically how they find their way into your home. While they may prefer a cat or dog, they are not picky and will bite a human if they find a way onto them.
They can’t fly but are pretty good jumpers which you may have noticed if you’ve ever tried to swat one away. Once they get into your home they can multiply rapidly and become a problem.
Bed bugs are harder to spot because they love the night and dark places. They usually venture out and do their biting while you are sleeping. They are called bed bugs because their favorite nesting places are around areas where you typically don’t move a lot like couches, mattresses and box springs, although they can also be found in carpets and furniture.
Bed bugs are red-brown in color and the shape of an apple seed while both can be very similar in size the flea is a little longer with an oval shape while the bed bug is generally flat.
How to Treat the Bites
The most annoying factor about bites from both bed bugs or fleas is the incessant itching. The best way to treat this is with an over-the-counter anti-itch cream. Just follow the directions on the medication.
Another idea is to take an oatmeal bath in lukewarm water. This will help with both the itching and the swelling.
Some people may discover they are allergic and for them, an antihistamine could help counter that reaction.
Should any insect bite become infected or just not heal, please contact your doctor for further evaluation.
Bed Bugs Love to Travel
Bed bugs sure do get around. In fact, one of the most common places to find bed bugs are in hotel rooms. Because of this, there are some simple travel tips to follow to keep them from coming home with you.
When you first arrive at your hotel, take a close look at the bed, mattress, and linens. Look for any signs of bed bugs or their eggs. You should also check other furniture in the room.
When you get home, do your laundry immediately. This is just a safety precaution to keep any bed bug hitchhikers from making their way into your bedroom.
Exterminator for Bed Bugs in Vancouver – The Heat is On
Bed bugs are extremely difficult to get rid of. They can be resistant to pesticides and because of their deep burrowing hiding spots, it is hard for sprays to even reach them.
Research has proven that heat is the most effective way to treat and eradicate bed bugs. The heat will kill the bed bugs at all life stages and can penetrate and reach them wherever they are hiding.
In addition to being the best alternative for getting rid of bed bugs, heat treatment takes less time and causes less disruption than typical spray treatments to your daily routine.
Prevention
It might sound simple, but regular cleaning is the number one tip for preventing bed bugs. Vacuum thoroughly not only the carpet but also all upholstery.
You should also wash all the linens in hot water and dry them in high heat. The heat will kill any bugs that may be present.
Keep the clutter to a minimum. Bed bugs love dark places and will seek them out to hide. You should also do a regular inspection of your mattress and box springs to look for any signs.
However, please keep in mind that bed bugs aren’t picky and even if you are a clean person, you can still get them. The fact that you have bed bugs in your home doesn’t mean you are by any means dirty.
Sleep Tight – No Bed Bug Bites
No one wants to think about bed bugs crawling all over them while they sleep. Not only does that sound icky, but the pain and itching that comes along with their bites are enough to make anyone cringe.
Fortunately, there are solutions if you find yourself in this situation.
Bed bugs are difficult to get rid of and it usually takes the experience and knowledge of a professional team to handle this problem.
If you are looking for exterminators for bed bugs in Vancouver, Idaho, Utah, Washington, or Oregon then we are just the experts that you need. For all your bed bug problems, reach out!
