Are carpet beetles and bed bugs the same?

One of the insects most often confused with bed bugs is the equally small and flat varied carpet beetle. They are very common in homes and properties, and people continually ask if they have found the first signs of a bed bug infestation when they see a carpet beetle. If you’re wondering about bugs that look like bed bugs, carpet beetles are one of the most common culprits.

Carpet beetles vs. bed bugs: a quick overview

Carpet beetles and bed bugs are often confused due to their small size and shared presence in homes. However, these pests differ significantly in appearance, behavior, and the problems they cause. Misidentifying them can lead to ineffective pest control efforts. This guide will help you distinguish between carpet beetles and bed bugs, recognize their signs, and take the right steps to address your pest problem.

How to tell the difference between carpet beetles and bed bugs

Physical appearance comparison

Carpet beetles and bed bugs differ significantly in size, color, and shape. Carpet beetles are smaller, with rounder bodies and patterned or speckled coloring, whereas bed bugs are flat, oval, and reddish-brown, with a uniform appearance. Their larvae also differ: carpet beetle larvae are hairy, while bed bug nymphs are smooth and translucent.

Behavioral differences

Carpet beetles are scavengers that feed on natural materials like wool, feathers, and leather. They are commonly found crawling on carpets, upholstery, and stored clothing. Bed bugs, on the other hand, feed on human blood and stay close to their hosts, hiding in mattresses, furniture, and baseboards.

Signs of carpet beetle infestations vs. bed bug infestations

Carpet beetles and bed bugs are often confused due to their small size, but they leave very different signs of infestation. Here's how to distinguish between the two and recognize their unique characteristics.

Signs of carpet beetles in your home

Carpet beetle infestations often result in visible damage to clothing, carpets, and upholstery - the beetles are attracted to natural fabrics like wool or silk. You may notice small holes in clothing or upholstery, shed larval skins, and even live bristly larvae. These pests are usually found in closets, storage areas, or areas with abundant natural fibers.

Signs of bed bugs in your home

Bed bug infestations are marked by red, itchy bite marks on the skin, often in clusters or lines. Additional signs include black fecal spots, molted skins, blood stains on bedding or furniture, and live bed bugs hiding in mattress seams, baseboards, or furniture crevices. These signs are most commonly found near sleeping areas.

Do carpet beetles bite like bed bugs?

Carpet beetles do not bite humans, but their larvae shed tiny hairs that can irritate the skin.

Why carpet beetles may cause skin irritation

The tiny hairs of carpet beetle larvae can cause skin irritation. This irritation often appears as red, itchy rashes that are easily mistaken for bed bug bites. The rash is caused by contact with the hairs, not a feeding activity.

Bed bug bites: What to look for

Bed bug bites are small, red welts that typically appear in rows or clusters. They are often found on exposed areas of the body, such as the arms, legs, and neck. These bites occur during the night and are a direct result of the bed bugs feeding on human blood.

Why it’s important to identify which pest you have

Accurate pest identification ensures that the correct control methods are used, preventing wasted efforts and further damage.

Health risks of bed bugs

Bed bug infestations pose significant health risks. Their bites can lead to intense itching, allergic reactions, and even secondary skin infections. The psychological toll of dealing with bed bugs, including stress and sleep disruption, can be equally challenging.

Damage and risks from carpet beetles

Carpet beetles don’t feed on human blood but can cause extensive damage to natural materials in your home. Infestations can result in costly repairs or replacements for items like clothing, furniture, and rugs. Additionally, their shed hairs can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Need help with bed bug removal?

If you’re dealing with a pest problem and are unsure whether it’s carpet beetles or bed bugs, professional pest control services can help. Experienced bed bug exterminators like Ehrlich can identify the pest and recommend tailored solutions to eliminate the infestation.

Common bed bug control methods include heat treatments, chemical applications, and thorough inspections of sleeping areas. Carpet beetle infestations, on the other hand, often require deep cleaning, vacuuming, and the removal of food sources for the larvae.

Ehrlich Pest Control is the expert in bed bug removal and control. We know how to distinguish between carpet beetles and bed bugs and how to handle both pests. If you have an infestation of either bed bugs or carpet beetles call us at 800-837-5520 or contact your local office today!

Want to learn more about bed bugs? See our articles on bed bug facts and home remedies for bed bugs.