If you’re waking up with itchy, red bites on your skin, it’s important to identify whether they are caused by bed bugs or scabies. While both can cause discomfort and sleepless nights, the treatments vary significantly according to which insect is causing the irritation – so understanding the differences between these two creatures is essential if you’re looking for an effective solution. In this blog post, we’ll explore what bed bugs and scabies look like; understand how they spread from person to person; and discuss proven methods for getting rid of them once and for all!
What is Bed Bugs?
Bed Bugs are small, wingless pests that feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. Bed bugs are visible to the naked eye, so the best way to detect their presence is by looking for blood smears on sheets or pillows, or seeing them crawling around your bed. Bedbugs can get into houses through second-hand furniture, clothing, suitcases, beds, linens, and other items brought in from outside. Bedbugs produce odors and excrement that can stain furniture and walls. If you believe you may have been infected by Bed Bugs, it is important to contact a professional pest control team immediately so the issue can be resolved effectively.
What is Scabies?
Scabies is an incredibly contagious skin condition that is caused by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. This mite burrows beneath the surface of the skin which can cause an intense itching sensation as well as redness and blister-like lesions. Scabies spreads easily through physical contact with someone who has it and in shared towels, sheets, or clothing.
- Getting rid of scabies requires aggressive treatment and good hygiene practices including washing everything that may have come in contact with the infected person in hot water and drying them with high heat.
- Scabies can be eliminated with over-the-counter medications such as creams, lotions, medicated soap, and more, but if those don’t work then seeing a doctor is recommended to get a prescription medication.
- Scabies can be uncomfortable and difficult to clear up, so taking preventive measures such as frequent handwashing is especially important for avoiding its spread among family, friends, coworkers, and beyond.
Difference between Bed Bugs and Scabies
Bed Bugs and Scabies are both parasites that bite humans and cause intense itching, however, they are very different in their means of transmission, as well as the type of treatment they require.
- Bed bugs can be found living in bedding, furniture, or anywhere there is fabric, while scabies spread through direct contact with a person already infected with the parasite.
- Bed bugs can typically be eradicated with strong cleaning methods such as vacuuming or steaming; whereas scabies is treated with prescription medications such as lotions or creams which contain insecticides to kill the parasites.
Bed Bugs and scabies may look similar at first glance due to their itch-inducing bites, but upon closer inspection, it is easy to recognize that Bed Bugs and Scabies may have similar symptoms but require different responses.
Conclusion
If you have been bitten by something and are unsure of what it is, then this post was for you. Bed bugs and scabies can both cause skin irritation, but there are key ways to tell them apart. Bedbugs will generally be found in your bedding or furniture, whereas scabies will be found all over your body. If you think you may have either of these, it is important to seek medical attention so that you can get treated properly.
