There are many bugs out there that look like bed bugs, but they are not necessarily the pests. Some of these bugs are Cimex lectularius, which is the common bed bug. However, not all bugs that look like bedbugs are pests. For example, some species of tarantula can bite humans and cause a serious skin reaction. So it is important to identify the bug before you get rid of it!
Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. They can be found anywhere there is bedding or furniture, including hotels, apartments, hospitals, schools and homes. Bed bugs can also be transported in luggage or on clothing.
Most people think of bed bugs as only a problem in warmer climates, but they can also be a problem in colder climates. In the winter months when it is cold outside and people are staying inside more often, bed bugs can become a bigger problem. Bed bug infestations can also occur during the summer when people are out more often and their homes are open to guests.
Bugs that look like bed bugs can be a nuisance, but they don’t usually cause any health problems. These bugs are often mistaken for bed bugs, which is why it’s important to identify them correctly.
Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs
Cockroach nymphs
At first glance, cockroach nymphs may seem like harmless bed bugs. However, cockroach nymphs are actually different species of bugs that look similar to bed bugs. Knowing the differences between these two types of bugs can help you identify and avoid them in your home.
Cockroach nymphs are smaller than adult cockroaches and have a reddish-brown shell that covers their body. They are not as fast as adults and can be difficult to catch. Bed bug nymphs, on the other hand, are considerably larger than cockroach nymphs and have a black or dark brown shell. They are also faster runners and can be more difficult to catch.
Carpet beetles
Carpet beetles are tiny, but pesky bugs. Often mistaken for bed bugs, carpet beetles can actually cause more damage in your home than bed bugs. Here are eight facts about carpet beetles you need to know:
- Carpet beetles are small–average size is 2/5 of an inch long.
- Carpet beetles are black and yellow, with a shiny coat.
- Carpet beetles feed on plant pollen and other organic materials, so they can be a nuisance in homes with flowers or plants.
- They lay their eggs on the carpets and around the edges of furniture, where they will hatch into larvae that will eat the fabric.
- The larvae can be removed by vacuuming up the eggs and throwing them away; you don’t have to treat the entire area!
Booklice
There are a variety of bugs that look like bed bugs, but unless you have an expert to identify them, it can be difficult to know for sure if you have them. These bugs are called booklice, and they can be found all over the world.
Booklice feed on insects, so if you have spots where books or paper are kept, chances are you’ll find some booklice living there. While they may not cause any major damage, knowing about these pests is always beneficial in preventing potential problems.
Spider beetles
Spider beetles are some of the most recognizable bugs out there. They’re just big and weird looking enough to be interesting, but not so strange that you can’t identify them. They’re also some of the most common insects around, so chances are you’ve seen one at some point. Here are a few things to know about spider beetles:
- Spider beetles are members of the family Coccinellidae, which is made up of mostly insects that look like bed bugs.
- Spider beetles can be found all over the world, and they usually live in areas where there is a lot of vegetation.
- They feed on other insects, and their larvae eat grasses and leaves.
- Spider beetle adults are pretty small, averaging about 1 inch in length.
- Spider beetles are often found near water where they like to lay their eggs, and they often appear in groups.
- Spider beetles are very active insects that can dart around quickly. They leave a small web behind when they move, which is how you know they re real.
Bat insects
Bat insects are a fascinating group of bugs that look like bed bugs. Some of these bugs are highly specialized predators, while others are generalists that feed on a variety of small prey. Despite their appearance, bat insects are not closely related to bed bugs and should not be treated as such. They are an entirely different insect species. Insects that look like bed bugs can be found all over the world, but they are usually not dangerous and do not cause disease.
Swallow insects
Are bed bugs still a problem in your home? If so, there may be some helpful insects you can try to get rid of them. Swallow bugs, also known as reducers or parasitoids, are one option. Reducing agents feed on other insects and can help control populations of pests.
You may have seen reducers in action if you have ever seen a bee swarm or wasp nest. These large insects are often seen flying around with smaller ones in tow. The small ones are the reducers. They eat smaller prey which helps them grow larger and stronger.
Swallow bugs are similar in size and shape to bed bugs but they have black and yellow stripes on their abdomen instead of red. Bed bug reducers are not afraid of bright light so they will often be found near windows or doorways where they can see activity outside the home.
How To Identify Bed Bugs From Other Pests?
How can you tell if you have bed bugs? There are a few different pests that can look like bed bugs, but they all have distinctive physical characteristics. Here are 8 things to look for when identifying bed bugs:
- They are small, about the size of an apple seed, and they move quickly and unpredictably.
- They secrete a sticky fluid from their body when disturbed, which will make surfaces near them sticky.
- Bed bugs lay their eggs in warm areas such as under mattresses or in cracks in walls or furniture.
- Eggs will hatch into tiny bed bug nymphs that look similar to adults, but are smaller and lack wings.
- Nymphs will feed on human blood and will grow into adults over time.
- Adults are about 1/4 inch long and have wings.
- Adult bed bugs do not fly or jump, but they can crawl very quickly and can hide in tiny cracks and crevices.
- Adult bed bugs feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals.
Mark Thompson, a seasoned pest controller, is renowned for his expertise in keeping homes and businesses free from unwanted intruders. With a passion for environmental sustainability and a deep understanding of pest behavior, Mark has become a trusted authority in the industry.