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Mistaking other insects for bed bugs can complicate efforts to manage a pest problem. Many bugs share similar characteristics, such as an oval body shape or a reddish color, making identification tricky with the naked eye. Bed bugs, roughly the size of an apple seed, are infamous for feeding on human blood and causing itchy, often painful allergic reactions. However, other insects can easily be confused with bed bugs due to similarities in size, color, or behavior. Misidentification can lead to ineffective pest control methods and a prolonged infestation.
Understanding the differences between bed bugs and other common bugs is essential to properly address a suspected pest issue. Below, we’ll explore the key traits of five insects to help you determine what might be lurking in your home and the best course of action to take.
1. Bat bugs
Color: Brown
Description: Bat bugs are the most similar to the bed bug of any on this list. Really the only observable difference between the two is that bat bugs have longer hairs on their heads.
Size: ¼” – the size of an apple seed
Shape: Oval
Do bat bugs have wings? Bat bugs have wing pads, but no functional wings.
Do bat bugs bite? Bat bugs will bite, but only if bats aren’t around.
Where are bat bugs found? Despite what their name suggests, bat bugs usually aren’t found on bats, but rather where bats live. Many homes may feel they have bed bugs when they see these. Instead, oftentimes a bat colony has set up a home in the attic, causing the bat bugs to end up in the rest of the house.
Image credit: University of Minnesota Extension
2. Spider beetles
Color: May range from pale brownish-yellow to reddish brown to almost black
Description: Spider beetles have long, thin legs and antennae, all covered with hairs. It has no “neck” as its head is directly connected to its body.
Size: 1/32-3/16” (1-5mm)
Shape: Usually oval
Do spider beetles have wings? Yes, but only some species can fly.
Do spider beetles bite? No.
Where are spider beetles found? Spider beetles are often found in wooden structures and near sources of food. Poor sanitation often leads to spider beetle infestations.
3. Booklice
Color: Pale brown or creamy yellow
Description: Booklice closely resemble termites, with soft bodies and long, thin antennae.
Size: 1/32-1/4” (1-6mm)
Shape: Segmented (head and body are separate)
Do booklice have wings? Sometimes. If present, there will be four.
Do booklice bite: No, but scientists believe their dead bodies in tandem with dust may contribute to asthma attacks.
Where are booklice found? Booklice are often found in areas of high humidity, such as damp books, because they easily become dehydrated.
4. Carpet beetles
Color: Black with white pattern and orange/red scales
Description: The head of the carpet beetle is mostly hidden when looking from above, but short, visible antennae extend from it.varied carpet beetle
Size: 1/16-1/8” (2-3.8mm)
Shape: Oval
Do carpet beetles have wings? Yes, adults fly during the daytime.
Do carpet beetles bite? No, but they are known to cause dermatitis in humans, due to allergic reactions.
Where are carpet beetles found? Carpet beetles are typically found on flowers and sometimes on fabrics (specifically carpet). They are often brought inside on fresh-cut flowers.
5. Fleas
Color: Reddish-brown
Description: Long legs, round heads, and very small bodies covered in hair.
Size: Approximately ⅛”
Shape: Laterally flattened and segmented
Do fleas have wings? No.
Do fleas bite? Yes, and the bites are traditionally very itchy. Additionally, fleas are a vector for various diseases.
Where are fleas found? Fleas are often brought in from outdoors on animals.
For more information. please see our flea control page.
Differentiating between bed bugs and other insects is crucial for effective pest control. Each of the bugs listed above shares some similarities with bed bugs but also has its own distinct traits. To summarise some of the key differences:
- Bat bugs closely resemble bed bugs in body shape and size, but they primarily infest areas where bats are present and have longer hairs on their pronotum (the section immediately behind the head), distinguishing them from bed bugs.
- Spider beetles have oval, reddish-brown bodies that can be mistaken for unfed bed bugs. However, they are a type of beetle with long antennae and a shiny, beetle-like appearance. They are often found near food products.
- Booklice (psocids) are much smaller than bed bugs, have soft, whitish or translucent bodies, and feed on fungi or damp materials, whereas bed bugs feed on human blood.
- Carpet beetles and their larvae are often mistaken for bed bugs due to their oval bodies, but they feed on natural fibers and are more likely to be found near rugs and fabrics rather than in sleeping areas.
- Fleas are smaller than bed bugs, have laterally flattened bodies, and are known for their jumping ability, while bed bugs crawl and have a more rounded, apple-seed-like body shape.
Proper identification is essential to avoid unnecessary stress and implement the right pest control methods. While some homeowners turn to home remedies for bed bugs or general pest problems, these solutions are often temporary. A professional pest control service like Ehrlich can correctly identify the pest and ensure comprehensive treatment, whether you're dealing with bed bugs or other insects like baby cockroaches or ticks.
If you suspect a bed bug infestation, look for key signs such as reddish stains on bedding, shed skins, and live insects in cracks and crevices. Additionally, note the body shape and size and whether the insect has wings or long antennae to help narrow down the possibilities.
Remember, the best way to manage any infestation is through a trusted pest control service. Our skilled bed bug exterminators have the expertise to tackle even the most challenging infestations, saving you time and frustration. If you're uncertain about the pest you're dealing with, don’t hesitate to contact us for an inspection. Whether it’s bed bugs or other common bugs, quick action can prevent the problem from escalating.
For more information about bed bugs and how to deal with them, see our pages on bed bug facts and bed bug control methods.
Ehrlich gets rid of bed bugs
Whether or not your infestation is that of bed bugs, Ehrlich is here to help. Our pest experts can provide comprehensive solutions, including bed bug prevention tips to ensure your home stays pest-free. Call us at 800-837-5520 or contact us online to find out what our pest experts can do for you.