Most people have heard of bed bugs, but you might be surprised to learn there are actually a few different types that look alike and are easy to mix up. Each has its own preferred climate and geographic range, but their behaviors are broadly similar. Though one thing’s for certain: all require professional bed bug control to keep your home safe.
There are around 90 species within the family Cimicidae, but only a small number are associated with humans. The vast majority feed on bats or birds.
For most people in the U.S., there are two different bed bug species worth knowing: the common bed bug and the tropical bed bug. A third species, found in parts of West Africa, is rarely encountered in North America.
Of those species, here are the main ones you're likely to come across:
Two other species are sometimes confused with bed bugs: bat bugs and swallow bugs. Both look nearly identical to the common bed bug and require microscopic examination to distinguish. The key difference is their preferred host:
Neither species establishes itself long-term in human environments without its preferred host, but both can cause bites and confusion. If you’re unsure of what type of bug you’re dealing with, contact our bed bug exterminators for accurate identification and treatment options.
In terms of behavior, the two main human-associated species (common bed bugs and the tropical bed bugs) are very similar. Both:
The main practical difference between the common bed bug and the tropical bed bug is climate preference. The common bed bug is better adapted to cooler, indoor environments, while the tropical bed bug thrives in warmer conditions. Treatment approaches are broadly the same for both.
For most homeowners and businesses, the answer is: not significantly. The treatment methods used for bed bug infestations, including heat treatment, chemical sprays, and steam, are effective against both the common and tropical bed bugs. What matters more is the size of the infestation, where the bugs are hiding, and how early the infestation’s caught.
Infestations like to spread fast, no matter the species. If you suspect you have a problem, don’t hesitate: Call us or click the button below.
The two species you're most likely to encounter are the common bed bug and the tropical bed bug. The easiest way to tell them apart is by looking at the section just behind the head, called the prothorax.
On a common bed bug, this section is broader and wider. On a tropical bed bug, it's noticeably narrower, and the body is slightly less flat overall.
These differences are subtle, though, and not easy to spot without a trained eye.
No. Heat treatment, steam, and chemical sprays are effective against both the common and tropical bed bugs.