You may possibly be. Both Bedbugs and Fleas are two common household pests we at Central Pest Control deal with, in Ireland. Both of these insects feed on human and animal blood, but they may enter your home in different ways.
- Bedbugs are known as the travelling insect. They will travel from furniture, to luggage, to your home. Bedbugs are picked up in in hotels, hostels, or rented accommodation, especially those with high turnover or frequent visitors, as bed bugs can be carried in luggage or clothing. However, they can also spread in private homes, particularly if there is a close connection with places where bed bugs are more common.
- Fleas on the other hand will enter your home most likely on your household pet. Fleas are often brought into homes by cats, dogs, or other pets that spend time outdoors or come into contact with other animals carrying fleas.
Bed bugs are not considered dangerous in terms of spreading diseases, but they can still cause a number of issues. Here’s a breakdown of the potential problems they can cause:
Reasons to Get Rid of Bed Bugs:
- Physical Discomfort:
- Bites: Bed bugs feed on human blood, usually at night. Their bites can cause itching, swelling, and irritation. For some people, bites can lead to allergic reactions, and in rare cases, more severe reactions.
- Sleep Disruption: The anxiety of knowing you may be bitten can lead to sleep disturbances. Bed bugs are nocturnal, and many people become hyper-aware of any itching, making it difficult to sleep well.
- Psychological Impact:
- The thought of bed bugs can be distressing. Anxiety, stress, and embarrassment are common reactions to infestations. People may feel uncomfortable in their own homes, which can affect their overall well-being.
- Secondary Infections:
- Although bed bugs don’t carry diseases, excessive scratching of their bites can lead to secondary bacterial infections if the skin is broken. This can lead to complications like cellulitis or skin abscesses.
- Spread to Other Areas:
- Bed bugs are excellent at spreading from one area to another. They often hitch a ride on luggage, clothing, or used furniture, meaning that an untreated infestation can spread to other rooms or even other homes.
Fleas are not typically dangerous in the sense that they spread fatal diseases like some other pests, but they can still cause significant problems. Here are some of the potential risks and issues associated with flea infestations:
- Flea Bites and Skin Irritation:
- Flea bites can cause itching, redness, and swelling. In some cases, people may have an allergic reaction to flea saliva, which can result in more intense itching, hives, or even a condition called flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), which is common in pets but can also affect humans.
- Scratching flea bites too much can lead to secondary bacterial infections if the skin is broken, leading to further complications.
- Transmission of Diseases:
- While fleas are not commonly dangerous to humans, they can be vectors for certain diseases. For example:
- Plague: Historically, fleas were responsible for transmitting the bubonic plague. The bacteria that cause the plague, Yersinia pestis, are carried by fleas and can be transmitted to humans via flea bites. However, the risk of plague is extremely low in modern times, and it is rare in most developed countries, including Ireland.
- Murine Typhus: Fleas can carry bacteria that cause murine typhus, which can cause symptoms like fever, headache, and rash. This is also very rare but possible in areas with high flea populations.
Fleas are also known to transmit tapeworms to pets, which could pose a risk to humans if they accidentally ingest infected flea larvae (though this is very rare and usually happens with poor hygiene).
- Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) in Pets:
- While not dangerous in a life-threatening sense, fleas are a significant health concern for pets. FAD is a common condition in cats and dogs, causing severe itching, hair loss, and skin infections. Pets can suffer greatly from flea infestations if not treated promptly.
- Psychological Impact:
- Flea infestations can also cause distress and anxiety for pet owners, as they may worry about the comfort and health of their animals or the spread of fleas within the home.
While these biting insects aren’t life-threatening, they can cause significant physical and emotional distress, and they can spread easily throughout your home. Taking action to eliminate them promptly can save you from more serious issues down the line. If the infestation is severe, it’s best to contact a professional pest control service like Central Pest Control to ensure complete eradication.
Central Pest Control is here to help. With our expertise and commitment to quality service, please don’t hesitate in contacting us.
Dublin: 01 2005900
Wicklow: 0404 62026
Kildare: 045 395395