What if you wake up one day with itchy bites, pull the sheets back, and see a tiny brown insect crawling across your bed? Safe to say, the first thought in our minds is bed bugs. But what if it’s not? Plenty of bugs look like bed bugs, and misidentifying them is one of the biggest mistakes one can make. If you go hunting with the wrong pest in mind, you’ll waste money on useless and ineffective treatments.
In this blog, we will cover how to check for bed bugs properly, spot the difference between look-alikes, and when you should call in the experts.
Common Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs
Carpet Beetles
Carpet beetles have rounder bodies, which are different from the flat bodies of bed bugs. Plus, they are covered in tiny hairs and can have patterned shells. The best clue to tell them apart is that they don’t bite, but their hairs can cause irritation that looks like a rash.
Bat Bugs
Bat bugs are almost identical to bed bugs, but come with longer hairs around their thorax. They are usually found in attics or places where bats nest. So, if you tend to have bats in your property, check for these before assuming it’s bed bugs.
Fleas
Fleas are small, dark, and often mistaken for bed bugs. The difference between fleas and bed bugs is that fleas jump, whereas bed bugs crawl. They come in your home through your pets or second-hand household items like carpets.
Baby Cockroaches
These tiny, brown-black pests hang out in kitchens and bathrooms, which is unlike bed bugs. But if you happen to see a baby cockroach in your home, it is a sign of an infestation nearby.
How to Check for Bed Bugs?
If you suspect bed bugs, don’t just rely on bites and itchy rashes alone. Here’s how to check for bed bugs properly:
- Inspect the mattress and box spring. Look for rusty blood spots, live bugs, or shed skins.
- Check the seams and cracks of your bed. They love hiding around headboards, bed frames, and baseboards.
- Use a flashlight and slide a credit card along the mattress seams. If bed bugs are there, doing this is supposed to flush them out.
- Look beyond the bed. Furniture items like sofas, cushioned chairs, and even electrical outlets can house bed bugs.
Wrapping Up
Not every bug in your bed is a bed bug. But if you assume it is and mistreat it wrong, you’ll waste time and money while the infestation spreads. We mentioned the most common bugs that look like bed bugs, but careful inspection can tell you exactly what you’re dealing with.
Once you know for sure, immediate action is key. Bed bugs don’t leave on their own and require professional help from bed bug exterminators.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the first signs of bed bugs?
The first signs of bed bugs usually include red, itchy bites in clusters, small blood stains on your sheets, and live bugs hiding in the mattress.
2. What kills bed bugs instantly?
Extreme heat has proven to be the fastest killer of bed bugs. Some strong chemical sprays can kill on contact, but they won’t eliminate hidden eggs that are waiting to hatch.
3. Are bed bugs harmful to humans?
Bed bugs don’t particularly spread any diseases, but their bites cause itching and allergic reactions in some cases.
4. Is it okay to sleep with bed bugs?
No. You’ll keep getting bitten, the infestation will grow, and you’ll not be able to sleep comfortably.
5. Can bed bugs live in your hair?
No. Bed bugs don’t cling to hair like lice or fleas. They prefer hiding in cracks, mattresses, and furniture. They come out to feed and crawl back in their hiding spots.
