Puce or bedbug?

Published by Océane Redon, on 012/17/2018 at 6:02 pm

This article is validated by Padr Sandrine Houzé - Biologist at AP -HP and president of the French Association of Teachers and Hospital Practitioners Holders of Parasitology and Medical Mycology (Anofel)

Two different insects

© Istocksi They are also called bed chips, bedbugs have nothing to do with fleas."These are different insects, genres and species and who have different lifestyles, specific reproduction cycles and special habitats", specifies Sandrine Houzé, biologist at AP-HP and president of the associationFrench teachers and hospital practitioners holding parasitology and medical mycology.However, flea as bedbugs share some similarities: both seek darkness and sting humans!

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Specific morphologies

"Their morphology are different and specific."Indeed, adult bedbugs have a size between 4 and 7 millimeters and are generally brown in beige, very flat, without wings and close to the appearance of a confetti", specifies Sandrine Houzé.As for the fleas, they are smaller since they measure between 1 and 3 millimeters.They are red or brownish in color.If bedbugs are visible to the naked eye and move while walking, the chips are more complicated to notice and jump thanks to their overpowered legs.

Different supplies

© Istockla bed bug feeds exclusively with human blood.Besides, she often hides in bedding (box spring, mattresses of the mattress) from where she can easily attack her victims at night.On the other hand, the chip feeds certainly of human blood, but also of the blood of dogs, cats, and other pets.Besides, if your animal adopts a different behavior, is more agitated than usual and is constantly scratching, it may be strong that it is parasitized by fleas.Note that flea larvae also feed on organic materials present in carpets, bedding, curtains ...

Distinct bites

Fleas as bedbugs bite humans.In both cases, these (non -dangerous) bites lead pimples and itching.It is however possible to differentiate the bites of these two insects.Indeed, the chips bite mainly on the legs and feet.Their bites generally have a red point in the center of the button.Bedbugs bite for their whole body.If you have grouped buttons, you may have been attacked by a bed bug.

How to get rid of it?

© Istocklorsque You notice bitter bedbugs or chips, it is better to eliminate said insects before their multiplication.To do this, vacuum cleaner everywhere in your home, including in corners and on carpets, curtains, etc.."Throw the vacuum bag in a waterproof packaging and decontaminate the vacuum cleaner" if your home is contaminated by bedbugs.To eliminate fleas, it is also better to treat your pets, as well as their basket.And of course, in the event of a massive infestation of these insects, do not hesitate to call on a professional.

> Un expert santé à votre écoute !

Acknowledgments to Dr. Sandrine Houzé, biologist at AP-HP and president of the French Association of Teachers and Hospital Practitioners Holders of Parasitology and Medical Mycology.

Video: a high school invaded by bedbugs in Finistère

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