Bed Bugs vs. Fleas: What’s the Difference?
Distinguish between these two bloodsucking pests by sight and by bite
Highlights
Bed bugs are seed-shaped, while fleas are oval-shaped.
Fleas attach to a host, while bed bugs hide and feed at night.
Bed bugs more commonly attack humans and fleas typically attack animals.
Bed bug bites are small, red welts that often appear in a row.
Flea bites are raised and itchy, similar to a mosquito bite.
When you’re dealing with painful, itchy bites and hitchhiking creepy crawlies disrupting your peace of mind, you might wonder whether bed bugs vs. fleas found their way into your home. While the thought can be unnerving, to say the least, learning to distinguish between the two will put you on the fast track to getting rid of them for good. Here’s how to tell the difference between bed bugs and fleas.
What’s the Difference Between Bed Bugs and Fleas?
| Type of Difference | Bed Bugs | Fleas |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 1½–5 mm | 1–4 mm |
| Color | Reddish-brown | Dark brown |
| Number of Legs | 6 legs | 6 legs |
| Host Preference | Humans | Animals or humans |
| Habitat | Indoors | Indoors or outdoors |
| Disease | Does not carry disease | Can carry disease |
Bed Bugs vs. Fleas: Differences in Appearance
Size
Bed bugs are shaped like an apple seed, ranging in size from 1½ to 5 millimeters long. Fleas have a more elongated oval shape and are often smaller than bed bugs, ranging in size from 1½ to 4 millimeters long.
Color
Bed bugs are reddish-brown in color, and fleas are typically dark brown. However, the color of fleas can be difficult to distinguish due to their small size.
Feeding Differences
Hosts
Both bed bugs and fleas feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, including humans. The big difference between bed bugs vs. fleas is that bed bugs commonly attack humans, while fleas commonly attack animals and humans. Fleas also prefer attaching themselves to their host of choice, while bed bugs hide during the day and come out to feed once they sense a human or animal’s body heat. This behavior makes killing bed bugs instantly a real challenge, as it’s very difficult to reach them all.
So, do fleas bite humans in bed? While they won’t hide in your bed as bed bugs do, fleas can bite you in bed if you cuddle up with your pet at night. On the same token, bed bugs won’t infest your pets like fleas, but they can bite your pet if they sleep near an infested area.
Bites
Flea bites typically resemble a cluster of mosquito bites. They are often placed randomly and appear as small dots with a dark red center, resulting from the flea’s bite puncturing the skin to draw blood. These bites create an intensely itchy sensation which is immediate and persistent, sometimes developing into an open sore or blister within one or two days.
Bed bug bites manifest as raised, flat red welts from an allergic reaction to the bug’s saliva. These bites often appear in a straight row or line of about three or four bites, although they don’t always follow this pattern. It may take a few days or even up to a week for bed bug bites to become visible, and they tend to itch more as the effects of the saliva wear off.
Habitat Differences
Fleas and bed bugs share similar hitchhiking habits, but each has its preferred method of transportation. Fleas are highly agile and can jump onto a human or animal host from surrounding environments such as carpets, grass, or animals. Getting rid of fleas will usually require treatments to these affected areas in addition to treating their chosen host.
On the other hand, bed bugs make their way into your home via furniture, stuffed animals, clothing, luggage, and other soft items. Once they’re in your home, it can be incredibly difficult to get rid of bed bugs. They hide deep within the crevices of your mattress and box spring, baseboards, electrical outlets, and any other small gaps or cracks they can find.
Treatment Differences
Whether it’s fleas or bed bugs, an infestation can be overwhelming and downright disturbing.
In either case, you may need to call for reinforcements to quickly rid your home and family of these horrid bloodsucking pests. A local exterminator has access to the most potent and widespread treatments, offering the quickest means of eradicating them for good.
Bed Bug Treatment
Bed bugs tend to be extremely difficult to get rid of, so you may want to invest the bed bug treatment cost, which typically falls between $1,000 and $2,500 for a serious infestation. DIY bed bug removal methods include using steam and heat to kill live bugs, spraying contact-kill sprays, using a HEPA vacuum, and deep-cleaning your home and linens. However, you’ll need the help of a professional exterminator to completely eradicate a major bed bug infestation.
Flea Treatment
Fleas can be tricky to get rid of as well—in addition to shampooing your pet, you’ll likely need to treat your carpet, lawn, and other areas where the tiny bugs may be hiding. Professional flea treatment costs between $75 to $400, depending on the size, severity, and location of the infestation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flea and bed bug infestations are equally difficult (and gross) to remove from your home, requiring professional treatments and long-term follow-up prevention. However, fleas are worse pests to have in your home because they can carry and spread disease to your pets and household members. You should take action to eradicate fleas and bed bugs as soon as you spot them in your home.
When you’re checking for bed bugs in your home, start by searching for the telltale signs rather than the insects themselves, as they tend to stay hidden during the day. Here are the key signs of a bed bug infestation:
Rust-colored or reddish stains on mattresses and bed sheets
Dark spots on fabric
Shed skins
Fecal matter (looks like black spots)
As for fleas, you can typically spot them on your pet. If you notice them scratching themselves excessively, look for bites and bugs on their skin and fur.