Fleas and bed bugs are two very common bugs that could create a load of discomfort in your house. Though they somewhat resemble each other, they also differ in several ways. Being able to identify these important differences can further allow you to decide which pest is invading your space and the best way to deal with it. If you happen to deal with any of these pests, having expert flea control or management of bed bugs becomes important in effectively addressing an infestation.
Understanding Fleas
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are small insects without wings that feed on animal blood. They mainly attack pets such as dogs and cats. The main characteristic of these pests is that they jump long distances, thus transferring from one animal to another or into your home.
Where Are Fleas Found?
Fleas are usually discovered in pet beds, carpets, and upholstered furniture-especially those areas where animals rest or roam freely. They hide in soft, warm places near your pets, making locating them difficult.
How to Spot Fleas
You can identify fleas by the small, itchy bites they leave, often around the ankles or lower legs. Flea dirt, which comes out as tiny black specks, is another telltale indicator of the presence of this pest.
Understanding Bed Bugs
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are nocturnal pests that consume the blood of humans and animals at night. They do not jump like fleas; instead, they crawl to different hiding places, which makes detection a bit tough.
Where Are Bed Bugs Found?
Bed bugs hide in cracks or crevices in or around the bed, furniture, and baseboards. They tend to be active at night because they usually feed during this time; during the day, they often hide.
How to Spot Bed Bugs
If you see little reddish-brown bugs hiding in your mattress or other bedding, you may have bed bugs. You might even see the red, itchy welt in a line on the skin, usually caused by bed bug bites.
How to Prevent Fleas and Bed Bugs
Preventing Fleas
Keeping them at bay involves treating your pets with flea-prevention products. Regularly wash pet bedding and frequently vacuum your house to reduce the number of fleas and their eggs. If you reside in some rural or wooded area, treat your yard as one way of minimizing exposure to fleas. If your efforts are unsuccessful, feel free to call for expert flea control services that will efficiently handle the problem.
Preventing Bed Bugs
When you travel, check hotel rooms for bed bugs. Do not bring used furniture or mattresses into your home unless you have checked them carefully for bed bugs first. Periodically check your mattress, furniture, and baseboards for signs of a bed bug infestation.
Conclusion
Whether you have an infestation of fleas, bed bugs, or both, fast action is required to prevent the problem from getting out of hand. Early identification is the key to effective elimination or treatment. Fullscope Pest Control offers comprehensive pest control services, including expert flea control and bed bug management. Our team is here to help you keep your home free from pests. Contact us today for a thorough inspection and professional treatment for your needs!
