Do I Have Fleas or Bed Bugs?

Pest expert Matthew S. Hess

September 6th, 2023

A common question we receive is, “Do I have fleas or bed bugs?” These two pests share some similarities, like their small size and desire to feed on a warm-blooded host. However, there are also some key differences between them. Fleas and bed bugs have different patterns of infestation, preferred locations, and motivations for infesting. They also have unique physical characteristics, with varying colors, shapes, and sizes.

Distinguishing between the bites of these two similar pests can be difficult as they may happen without our immediate awareness. This blog is aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of both pests, highlighting their similarities and differences, to assist you in evaluating the issue if it arises in your home.

Which Is It?

Although appearance isn’t the only factor when identifying pests, it can play a significant role. As the popular saying goes, “If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.” This is known as the “duck test,” and it can also be applied to pests.

There are several notable characteristics of fleas and flea infestations that set them apart from the bed bug. Additionally, their habits, life cycle, and mode of transmission are distinguishable from the bed bug. Let’s explore!

FLEAS

Characteristics

Fleas are brown to black in color. May have a reddish color after feeding.
Six long legs, making them excellent jumpers.
Around 1/16 to 1/8 inch long.
When viewed from above, the flea’s body is laterally compressed giving it a very thin appearance.
The body is small, but very hard.
Their exoskeleton is covered in tiny hairs and short, backward-facing spines.
Able to withstand extreme pressure without fatality.

Do I have fleas or bed bed bugs? Let's see... Fleas have 6 legs, can jump over 15 times their body length, and feed on warm blooded hosts. Additionally, they are less than 1/8 inch long and difficult to squish.

Habits

Adults live primarily on their host.
Eggs, larvae, and pupae are found mostly in nests, bedding, or burrows of a host.
Most common hosts are dogs, cats, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, rats.
Both sexes bite and suck blood from their host.
Unable to fly but can jump as much as 8 to 16 inches, or as far as 150 – 300 times its body length.
The larvae feed on dried blood on the host or host’s bedding (carpet fibers, straw, etc.).
Pupae are insecticide resistant.
Fleas are known to overwinter in the larval or pupal stages.
The primary objective of an adult flea is to find a blood meal, with only one week to do so after initial emergence.
A blood meal is required for reproduction.
Flea populations are distributed as follows: 50% eggs, 35% larvae, 10% pupae, and only 5% adults.
Fleas do not prefer a human host.
Adults feed at all times of day.
Fleas can live and thrive without humans.

Fleas have longer hind legs that enable them to propel forward and upward at many times their body length.

Life Cycle

The lifecycle begins when the female lays eggs after she has fed.
Eggs are laid in groups of 20 or more.
The female usually lays her eggs on the host.
Female does not attach or affix eggs to the host, and they can easily roll off.
Females may lay around 500 eggs in their lifetime.
Most eggs can be found where the host rests or sleeps.
Eggs take between 2 days and 2 weeks to hatch.
Larvae hatch from the eggs and feed primarily on dried blood (flea feces).
Larva are too small to be easily seen and provide no real help in determining whether fleas are present.

The larval stage is blind and avoids bright light, typically residing in dark places like cracks and crevices.
3 larval stages will be completed within 1 to 2 weeks and then a silk cocoon will be woven for the pupal stage.
The pupal stage lasts between 1 to 2 weeks before an adult flea emerges but can last up to a year, awaiting the signals that a host is present. (Flea pupae are more likely to hatch quickly when light, sound, vibration, heat, and carbon dioxide are present).

Fleas undergo complete metamorphosis from egg, larva, pupa, to adult.

Mode of Transmission

Fleas are primarily moved about while on their host.
Flea eggs, larvae, and pupae may be transported on infested materials like bedding, carpeting, clothing, furniture, and other similar items.

Fleas, like this one pictured, live primarily on their host, preferably warm blooded mammals.

Adult fleas live primarily on their host, within their fur coat. Like this gray-haired dog coat.

Flea Prevention

Regular vacuuming and cleaning (especially when pets are present).
Pet owners should use flea and tick-preventative treatments on their pets.
Avoid known areas of infestation.
Reduce conducive conditions for wildlife such as raccoons, squirrels, opossums, etc.
Quickly eliminate rats at their first sign (or call a pro to do it).
Avoid feeding or housing stray animals.

Do I have fleas or bed bugs? That question is easily answered once you are familiar with the unique characteristics of both insects.

Side view macro image of flea.

Flea Elimination

Fleas can be difficult to eliminate for several reasons. If pets aren’t properly treated, floors aren’t regularly cleaned, areas are cluttered, or the host animal is bedding nearby, flea populations can wax and wane, making treatments appear unsuccessful.

Additionally, the nature of flea pupae makes them 100% immune and resistant to all known insecticides. After treatment, these will eventually emerge as adults. If proper treatments have not been applied, the infestation will continue.

While there are many over-the-counter DIY insecticides for fleas, most people report treatment failure. It may be beneficial for you to contact a professional pest control company like Four Seasons Pest Solutions if you have experienced fleas, especially if you have experienced failed treatments.