Waking up with mysterious bites on your skin? It can be very frustrating trying to figure out what’s causing the discomfort. Is it bed bugs, fleas or mites? Each of these tiny pests can leave you itchy and uneasy, but they are very different in behavior, habitat, and treatment. Identifying the right culprit is the first step toward effective control. Bed Bug Free will break down the differences between bed bugs, fleas, and mites to help you figure out what’s biting you.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, flat, oval-shaped insects about the size of an apple seed. They are reddish-brown and become more swollen and redder after feeding on blood. These pests love to hide in cracks and crevices near sleeping areas like mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, headboards, and behind baseboards. They feed mostly at night. Bed bugs are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide. They usually bite exposed skin such as arms, neck, face, and legs leaving behind red, itchy welts in a straight line or zigzag pattern. Bites often appear in clusters. Look for small blood stains on sheets, rusty-colored spots (fecal matter), shed skins, or a musty odor near infested areas.
Fleas
Fleas are tiny wingless insects with a laterally flat body. They are reddish-brown and can jump long distances. Fleas often infest pets like dogs and cats but can also live in carpets, upholstery, pet bedding, and cracks in floors. Fleas are active all day and can bite humans especially around ankles and lower legs if pets or wildlife are present in the home. Fleas leave behind small, red, itchy bumps usually found in clusters or rows. Often surrounded by a red halo. If you have pets, check their fur for flea dirt they may look like tiny black specks. You might also see fleas jumping or crawling on your pet or around your home.
Mites
Most mites are microscopic and can’t be seen with the naked eye. The two common types that bite humans are chiggers and scabies mites.
Where they hide:
• Chiggers: Found outdoors in tall grass, weeds, and wooded areas.
• Scabies Mites: Burrow under the skin and are spread through close skin contact.
When they bite:
• Chiggers: Bite during outdoor activities.
• Scabies: Cause itching all day and night once they infest the skin.
Bite pattern:
• Chiggers: Itchy, red bumps around tight clothing areas like waistbands, sock lines, or armpits.
• Scabies: Intense itching and a pimple-like rash, especially between fingers, wrists, elbows, and other folds.
Scabies requires medical treatment. If itching continues despite pest control efforts, a doctor should examine your skin.
Bed Bug Inspections & Removal in Greater Cleveland area as well as Akron, Canton, Solon, Parma and NE and NW Ohio
Bed bugs, fleas, and mites may be small, but the discomfort they bring is real. Misidentifying the source of the bites can lead to ineffective treatments, wasted time, and continued suffering. If you are worried about having bed bugs infecting your home or business, contact Bed Bug Free for bed bug inspections and treatments today.
