It starts with a gentle itch. Then the irritation gets worse. You check your skin to see if there’s been something that resembles a bite mark. Could it be the dreaded bed bug in your home? Or is it a brush with scabies? If you can’t see either of them, how are you supposed to tell?
If you think it might be bed bugs, you’ll want to make sure of it right away. The sooner you can diagnose your home with a bed bug infestation, the sooner you can rid yourself of them. Scabies can become problematic, and both can spread throughout your family or friends if you aren’t careful.
Bed Bugs vs. Scabies: Identifying the Pests
Bed bugs are small insects that gorge themselves on the blood of animals such as dogs, cats, and of course, humans. They typically have a brown or reddish hue and are the size of a pin.
They can travel into your home unannounced through soft objects like used furniture or luggage. Pest control can help take care of bed bugs the moment you realize you have them, so contact a professional to handle this problem before it gets worse.
Scabies are technically arachnids and unlike bed bugs, are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye. Dealing with scabies won’t just require calling your local pest control provider, either. You’re going to need a visit to your dermatologist or doctor to receive treatment for your skin.
The Main Differences
What is the main difference between bed bugs vs. scabies? Both bed bugs and scabies can be passed from person to person and rely on their hosts to survive. However, both have very different ways of presenting themselves to their human hosts.
Bed bugs typically:
- Live in mattresses and headboards, and hide after feeding
- Feed on blood regularly but can go without for over a year
- Leave your skin blotchy and itchy at the site of the bite
Scabies, however:
- Can’t live for more than three days without feeding on a host body
- Feed on blood and burrow into the skin to lay their eggs
- Leave your skin streaky and scaly, usually around the stomach, genitals, or armpit area
If you’re starting to notice any skin problems like the ones above, you might have an infestation in your home. Call a pest control professional to guide you through the process and determine what course of action you need to take.
A Self-Check for Pests
It’s often a good idea to check for pests, especially when symptoms present themselves.
Bed Bugs
It’s important to know what you’re looking for regarding bed bugs vs. scabies. Bed bugs are relatively easy to spot if you recognize them or their bites. When you’re checking for bed bugs, ask yourself:
- Are there any brownish or reddish insects on or in my furniture?
- Are there any strange dark stains on my sheets?
- Do I have any red welts along my wrists, neck, chest, or knees?
It’s likely that if you said yes to any of these questions, you’re suffering from a bed bug infestation. We recommend that you immediately call a pest control management company to mitigate further issues.
Scabies
Scabies are microscopic, so you won’t be able to see them like you would with bed bugs. Check for common signs of infection instead. Ask:
- Do I have intense itching and rashes?
- Do I have open sores from the scratching?
- Are there scaly patches or blisters appearing on my skin?
Reach out to your dermatologist or doctor if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. They can help relieve you of any discomfort and start a regimen to manage the infection.
Bed Bugs vs. Scabies: Stopping the Spread
Both scabies and bed bugs spread through close contact with infected individuals. They can also spread through shared objects such as towels, bedding, and clothes. While bed bugs can be notoriously tricky to take care of, scabies can usually clear up in a few days with medicine from your doctor.
To rid yourself of a bed bug infestation, you should call a pest control company that can confidently eliminate the problem at the source. Treatment will be unique to you and your home, so call as quickly as you’re able to identify that you have or may have an infestation.
With some help from an exterminator, you can treat the bugs with heat treatment. This treatment will heat your room to a minimum of 117 degrees Fahrenheit, killing any bugs that might be seeking refuge in the nooks and crannies.
The exterminator will then use pesticides to round off the job and ensure that nothing is left unchecked. Your situation may benefit from multiple visits if it’s challenging. Bed bugs are also excellent hiders, so stay vigilant with checking to ensure the problem has entirely gone away.
Whether you’re experiencing bed bugs or scabies, you’ll need help from a professional. Speak with your doctor or your local pest management company to take back control of your home or facility.
ESS Universal manufactures and supplies high-quality, cost-effective commercial grade beds, mattresses, and furniture to camps, hostels, shelters, dorms and more. View our entire line of furniture products including our popular waterproof foam mattress for institutional use, single metal bed frames, single over single bunk beds, single over double bunk beds, and triple bunk beds. Download our catalog for detailed information on our complete product line.
