Bed Bugs Vs. Fleas: Identification, Prevention, & Treatment
Bed bugs and fleas are both hematophagous insects, meaning they feed on blood, with similar appearances, making them difficult to tell apart for the untrained eye. Both these insects are remarkably fast breeders, so it’s essential to be able to identify an infestation and solve it before the problem gets out of hand! In this article, we’ll offer some tips on how you can differentiate between these two types of blood-sucking insects and treat their infestations! If you’re a home or business owner in Massachusetts or Southern New Hampshire that is currently dealing with a flea or bed bug problem, contact our team at Absolut Pest Control today for a free extermination estimate!
Flea Identification & Treatment
One of the factors that makes differentiating between fleas and bed bugs difficult is that their appearance is so similar. Fleas typically have a more ovular shape than bed bugs with lengths ranging from 1.5mm to 3mm. Fleas have six long legs, which is why they’re so good at jumping, and have a reddish-brown color when they have recently fed. When fleas bite, they leave marks that look like dots with a dark red center. Fleas typically bite your lower body, while bed bugs typically bite your upper body. Fleas are most often found attached to their hosts (humans, animals) or in upholstery, carpets, or pet beds. The best way to prevent flea infestations is to treat your pets with flea medicine, as these insects’ most common entry point into homes is via a ride from pets. As mentioned above, fleas breed & multiply extremely quickly, so it’s important to contact a local pest control company in your area to assist you with eradicating the problem as soon as you spot a potential infestation!
Bed Bug Identification & Treatment
Bed bugs can range in color from tannish-yellow to brownish-red. Bed bugs have a more apple seed shaped body, while fleas are longer and skinnier. Bed bugs are typically around 1.5 mm to 5 mm long, so they are slightly bigger on average than fleas. One key way to differentiate between beds bugs and fleas is to observe one after it has bitten you or your pet. Bed bugs will plump up after sucking blood and turn a bright red color, while fleas will keep their brownish hue. The best way to prevent bed bug infestations is to be extremely cautious with clothes, furniture, and upholstery that you’re bringing into your home, as these are typically the items that bed bugs use to hitch a ride into residences. If you have noticed bed bugs on or around your furniture, you should contact a pest control professional who can solve the problem as soon as possible!
Contact Absolut Pest Control!
If you have any questions about identifying, preventing, or treating a flea or bed bug infestation in your Massachusetts or Southern New Hampshire home, please contact our team at Absolut Pest Control! We provide various pest removal and extermination services at affordable prices throughout the region! Give us a call today at (978) 388-4589 or fill out the contact form on our website!
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