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

While both pests bite, their behaviors, appearance, and preferred environments are quite different. Knowing these key distinctions is vital for proper treatment:

Appearance and Size:

• Bed Bugs: Have flat, oval-shaped, reddish-brown bodies, visible to the naked eye (about the size of an apple seed).
• Fleas: Are tiny (about 1/16 inch long), dark brown or black, and have strong legs that allow them to jump quickly.
  
  

Bite Location and Pattern:

• Bed Bugs: Bites typically appear in a line or cluster, often on exposed skin like the arms, back, neck, or face.
• Fleas: Bites are usually concentrated around the ankles, feet, or lower legs.
  
  

Host and Movement:

• Bed Bugs: Primarily feed on humans (blood) and move by crawling slowly.
• Fleas: Primarily feed on pets (dogs/cats) but will bite humans; they move by jumping quickly.

Common Hiding Spots:

• Bed Bugs: Hide in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and upholstered furniture.
• Fleas: Are commonly found in carpets, rugs, pet bedding, and upholstered items.
  
  

Active Time:

• Bed Bugs: Are nocturnal (most active at night) when their hosts are asleep.
• Fleas: Can be active both day and night.

What to Do If You Suspect Bed Bugs or Fleas

Whether you have a bed bug infestation or a flea infestation, follow these steps for taking back your home:

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1. Inspect Thoroughly
   Look for your mattress seams, bed frame, and cushions. To look for fleas, check your pets' bedding and brush your pets with a fine-toothed comb for “flea dirt” (small black spots).
   
   
2. Clean and Wash
   Wash all bedding and blankets in hot water and dry them on a hot setting. Vacuum all carpets and furniture daily and dispose of the canister contents outside every time.
   
   
3. Treat the Problem
   Over-the-counter sprays can provide a temporary solution to this problem. However, infestations can be extremely difficult to get rid of without calling a professional. In this context, bed bugs need specialized techniques to dispose of eggs and deeply hidden insects.
   
   
4. Call a Licensed Pest Control Company
   Bliss Pest Services is known for its ability to identify and get rid of flea and bed bug infestations. We have successful methods for quick elimination and prevention..

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 residents and businesses across our core service areas, including Salt Lake County, Utah County, and Davis County.

Schedule an inspection with Bliss Pest Services today and get the answers—and relief—you need from your Utah-based experts.