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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Bed Bugs and Fleas?

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Bed bugs and fleas are both parasitic insects that feed on blood, but they have some differences in appearance, hosts, and movement. Here are the main differences between bed bugs and fleas:

  1. Appearance:
  • Bed bugs are flat, oval-shaped, and reddish-brown, with adults measuring approximately ¼ of an inch long.
  • Fleas are also reddish-brown but have a more oval shape that appears skinnier and longer, rather than flatter. Adult fleas grow anywhere from 1/12 to 1/6 of an inch in length.
  1. Hosts:
  • Bed bugs prefer humans and rarely bite animals if people are nearby.
  • Fleas prefer to feed on cats or dogs, but may settle for humans when necessary.
  1. Bite Pattern:
  • Bed bug bites usually appear in a straight line across the skin.
  • Flea bites are located more randomly, usually appearing in small clusters with three small red bumps grouped together.
  1. Movement:
  • Bed bugs crawl slowly and do not have wings.
  • Fleas are nocturnal parasites that can jump from host to host.

Treatment for bed bugs and fleas may differ, so it is essential to identify the correct pest to ensure effective control. If you suspect an infestation, it is recommended to contact a pest control professional for assistance.

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  • What is the Difference Between Bed Bugs and Fleas?
  • Comparative Table: Bed Bugs vs Fleas

    • Comparative Table: Bed Bugs vs Fleas

    Here is a table comparing the differences between bed bugs and fleas:

    Feature Bed Bugs Fleas
    Appearance Flat, oval-shaped Long, narrow, flattened from top to bottom
    Color Light brown or reddish-brown Dark reddish-brown
    Size 4-7 mm 2-6 mm
    Bite Symptoms Bites may not itch, appear as small, flat, or raised bumps Bites tend to be very itchy, may have dark red centers
    Preferred Host Humans Furry animals like cats and dogs
    Location Near piping, seams, and tags of mattresses, between cushions, in curtain folds, under loose wallpaper, and in drawer joints On pets, hiding in carpet, and upholstery
    Disease Transmission Not known to transmit diseases Can transmit diseases like plague, typhus, and cat-scratch fever
    Lifespan Adult bed bugs can live up to a year without feeding Adult fleas live for about two weeks regardless of feeding
    Movement Crawl, cannot jump or fly Jump or fly
    Bite Pattern Bites appear on the top half of the body Bites appear on legs, ankles, and calves

    Bed bugs are more likely to infest mattresses and furniture, while fleas usually infest furry hosts like cats and dogs. Fleas can jump or fly, whereas bed bugs can only crawl. Bed bug bites may not itch, while flea bites are typically highly itchy. Health effects of bed bug bites include itchiness, skin rashes, and blisters, while fleas can transmit diseases.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.