Bed Bugs vs. Fleas: How to Tell the Difference and What to Do

Bed Bugs vs. Fleas: How to Tell the Difference and What to Do

Two Biting Pests—But Very Different Problems

Waking up with itchy bites? Finding tiny bugs in your bedding or carpets? You may be dealing with either bed bugs or fleas—two pests that are often confused but require very different treatment methods. Understanding how to identify them is the first step to stopping the bites and reclaiming your home.

Let’s break down the differences between bed bugs and fleas, the signs of each, and what you should do if you find either in your home.

How to Identify Bed Bugs

Appearance:

• Flat, oval-shaped bodies
• Reddish-brown color
• About the size of an apple seed
• Visible to the naked eye

Habits:

• Feed on human blood at night
• Hide in mattresses, box springs, headboards, and furniture
• Can survive for weeks without feeding
• Bites usually appear in a line or cluster, often on exposed skin

Signs of Infestation:

• Small blood stains or dark spots on sheets
• Musty odor in heavy infestations
• Shed skins or eggs in mattress seams or cracks
• Bites on arms, legs, or back after sleeping

How to Identify Fleas

Appearance:

• Tiny, dark brown or black
• About 1/16 inch long
• Flat-bodied with strong legs for jumping
• Harder to see unless you part the fur or inspect with a flashlight

Habits:

• Feed on animals (cats, dogs) but will bite humans too
• Common in carpets, pet bedding, and upholstered furniture
• Bites often appear around ankles or lower legs
• Can jump several inches when disturbed

Signs of Infestation:

• Pets scratching excessively
• Flea dirt (tiny black specs) on pets or bedding
• Small jumping insects seen on socks or floors
• Red, itchy bites concentrated on lower body

Key Differences Between Bed Bugs and Fleas

FeatureBed BugsFleasBite locationArms, back, neck, faceAnkles, feet, legsHost preferenceHumansPets (dogs/cats), then humansMovementCrawl slowlyJump quicklyCommon hidingMattresses, furnitureCarpets, pet beddingActive timeNight (nocturnal)Day and night

What to Do If You Suspect Bed Bugs or Fleas

1. Inspect Thoroughly
   Check your mattress seams, bed frame, and couch cushions. For fleas, inspect pet bedding and brush your pets with a fine-toothed comb.
2. Clean and Wash
   Wash all bedding, blankets, and pet items in hot water. Vacuum daily and empty the canister outside.
3. Treat the Problem
   Over-the-counter sprays can help temporarily, but infestations are hard to eliminate without professional help. Bed bugs especially require heat or chemical treatments to fully eradicate.
4. Call a Licensed Pest Control Company
   Bliss Pest Services specializes in identifying and treating both flea and bed bug infestations. We use proven methods to eliminate the source and prevent future problems—fast.

Stop the Bites—Call Bliss Pest Services Today

Don't spend another night itching and guessing. Whether you're facing fleas, bed bugs, or another biting pest, our team is here to help. Schedule a free inspection with Bliss Pest Services and get the answers—and relief—you need.