The Difference Between a Flea vs Mosquito Bite
Although they’re both irritating and annoying, bringing a flea infestation into your home can have serious consequences for your family and pets. The best way to handle an infestation is to address it right away. And the fastest way to do that is to figure out if you have a flea vs mosquito bite.
Flea and mosquito bites can look eerily similar to several other pests such as ants, ticks, or bed bugs. Be sure to check out our other resources to make sure you found the right bites.
| Mosquito Bites | Flea Bites | |
| Bite symptoms | Pale and pink welts on exposed areas. Become very itchy almost instantly. | Small red bumps around legs and feet. Often very itchy. |
| Bite development | It takes less than six seconds for a mosquito to bite. Bites will instantly be visible and itchy. | Flea bites may have a dark red center. Look out for blisters, swelling, and rashes from scratching. |
| Bite pattern | Bites are irregular-shaped and happen randomly on all overexposed areas of the body. | Flea bites come in clusters. |
| Bite frequency | Bite frequency changes depending on your personal biology and location. Mosquitoes often enjoy humidity and gather near water. | Flea bites are frequent, but they don’t target humans often. Your pet is likely in a lot of pain and may become irritated, aggressive, or lethargic. |
Also Read: Why Do Mosquitoes Bite Some People More Than Others
Mosquito Bites
Mosquitoes are flying insects that feed off blood from humans. In order to lay eggs, mosquitoes also need to feed. They thrive in humidity and need water to lay eggs. Unlike bed bug bites, mosquito bites are seasonal. You’ll only find mosquito bites from March to September.
Mosquito bites look like white or pink welts. They’re often irregular-shaped and will become instantly itchy after contact. Mosquitoes bite exposed areas of the body. After a day or two, the swelling reduces and should disappear soon after if they’re left alone.
Most people know that as soon as they start itching mosquito bites, they can’t stop and they only get itchier. The easiest way to get rid of mosquito bites is to leave them alone.
In most cases, the worst that can happen from a mosquito bite is developing a rash from irritation or infections from itching. However, this doesn’t mean mosquitoes can’t carry diseases like Zika and Yellow Fever. If abnormal symptoms arise, call your doctor immediately.
Also Read: Bed Bug vs Mosquito Bite: What’s The Difference?
Flea Bites
Fleas look like clear or yellowish specks. The easiest way to tell if you have flea vs bed bug bites is if your pet is also affected. Fleas bite more frequently, but they don’t target humans often. Your pet is likely in a lot of pain and may become irritated, aggressive, or lethargic.
Just like mosquito bites, fleas are often seasonal. They’re most active from March to September.
Common places you’ll find flea bites include your:
- Waist
- Armpits
- Bends in the elbows and knees
- Other skin folds
The moistness in these places allows the fleas to lay eggs and feed. You may even see them jumping from your pet to your couch!
Fleas bites aren’t harmful to humans unless you have an allergy or scratch them. Scratching causes infection, which can lead to several other health problems like sepsis. Look out for hives, rashes, swells, or blisters for signs of infection. Normally, flea bites go away after a couple of days.
Also Read: 5 Essential Oils For Itchy Bug Bites
Inspect your pet and their bedding for small black specks near their tail, armpits, and neck. These specs are actually fleas droppings, which means they’ve likely already laid eggs on your pet and in your home. Your pet may also seem irritated or lethargic, and may even develop anemia from blood loss.
Fleas can be incredibly difficult to get rid of, as they can lay dormant for a year before they hatch! To protect your home from prolonged infestations, call your vet and an exterminator for assistance right away.
