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Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs

Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs

Written by: Daniel Connell · Updated on: January 19, 2024

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Key Takeaways

If it has wings or more than six legs, it is not a bed bug.

Bed bugs have flattened bodies and rusty brown coloration (less so in younger nymphs). They have thin 4-segmented antennae and an 11-segmented abdomen. The legs are short (6 of them) and the wings are reduced, making it impossible for it to fly.

The following 9 insects are often mistaken for bedbugs:

• Bat bugs
• Spider beetles
• Baby cockroaches (cockroach nymphs)
• Woodlouse
• Kissing bugs
• Drugstore beetles
• Carpet beetles
• Ticks & booklice/barklice
• Fleas, head lice & mites

Their appearance and risks differ. The problem is that they're all difficult to eliminate.

Whether they're bed bugs or not, the insects have probably penetrated your mattress (among other things, including your clothes).

Replace your mattress as soon as possible (as a precautionary measure) with a safe and high-quality mattress like the Saatva Classic.

Ensure your mattress is zippered in a waterproof encasement. Make sure you wash and dry all your clothes at the hottest temperature possible.

The Saatva Classic provides amazing airflow which is great to keep bed bugs and other pests away. It is incredibly comfortable and comes with extremely friendly policies!

What Are The Signs Of Bed Bugs And How Can I Tell If I Have Them?

If you wake up with itchy, red bites in a line on your skin, you might have bed bugs. Other signs include small blood stains on your sheets, rusty-colored spots on your mattress or walls, or a musty odor in your room. To confirm a bed bug infestation, look for live bugs or their shed skins around your bed and furniture.

If you think you have bed bugs, take action right away. Wash your bedding in hot water and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Use a vacuum to clean your mattress and surrounding area thoroughly. Consider using a bed bug spray or hiring a professional exterminator. To prevent future infestations, inspect your bedding and furniture regularly and avoid bringing used furniture into your home.

Remember, bed bugs can happen to anyone, regardless of cleanliness. Be diligent in spotting and treating them to avoid discomfort and further spreading.

How Can I Distinguish Between Bed Bugs And Other Types Of Insects?

If you suspect you have bed bugs, you need to distinguish them from other insects right away. Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of people and animals. They're commonly found in mattresses, headboards, and furniture and leave itchy, red bite marks on your skin. Here's how to tell if you have bed bugs:

  • Bed bugs are flat and oval-shaped, with six legs and two antennae. They're about the size of an apple seed and reddish-brown in color.
  • Look for rust-colored spots on your sheets or mattress. These spots could be bed bug feces, which is made up of digested food and blood.
  • Check for small, circular eggs or shed skins. This is a sign that bed bugs have been present.
  • If you think you have bed bugs, contact a pest control expert to confirm the infestation and determine the right treatment.

It's important to act quickly if you think you have bed bugs. Waiting will only make them harder to get rid of. Be careful of DIY treatments, as they can be ineffective or even dangerous. Your best course of action is to call in a professional who can safely and effectively eliminate the infestation.

A rotated mattress, much like rotated tires, typically wears more evenly and reduces indentions or support issues.

What Are Some Common Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs And How Can I Identify Them?

If you're unsure whether you're dealing with bed bugs or a look-alike, there are some common bugs you should be aware of. These include carpet beetles, booklice, and fleas. Carpet beetles are small and brown with a mottled pattern, while booklice are tiny and pale with a distinctive tapered body. Fleas are a bit larger and have a reddish-brown color.

To properly identify the pest, it's recommended to call in a professional exterminator. However, there are some differences between bed bugs and their imposters. Bed bugs are typically oval-shaped and flattened with a distinct head and antennae. They often leave behind small bloodstains on sheets and furniture.

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, act quickly and take preventative measures such as washing bedding in hot water and vacuuming carpets/furniture. When traveling, inspect hotel rooms before settling in. With proper identification and treatment, you can successfully rid your home of bed bugs and their look-alikes.

If I Find A Bug That Looks Like A Bed Bug, Should I Be Concerned?

If you come across a bug that looks like a bed bug, it's important to take immediate action. Bed bugs are difficult to get rid of and can quickly infest your home. First, confirm that it is a bed bug by examining its appearance and behavior. Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed on blood and hide in crevices and cracks. They also leave behind small red bites on your skin.

If you confirm it is a bed bug, don't panic. Inspect your home for signs of bed bugs, such as small bloodstains on sheets or mattresses and small shed skins. Wash all bedding in hot water and dry on high heat. Vacuum your entire home thoroughly, paying special attention to areas where bed bugs might hide, such as behind baseboards and in upholstered furniture.

Consider hiring a professional pest control service to help you get rid of the bed bugs. They have access to more effective treatments and can help you prevent future infestations. Avoid bringing secondhand furniture or clothing into your home and be cautious when traveling, as bed bugs are often found in hotels and other lodging.

Bed bugs are a serious issue and should be taken seriously. Taking prompt action and being vigilant can help you prevent a major infestation and keep your home bed bug-free.

What Steps Can I Take To Prevent Bed Bugs And Other Lookalike Bugs From Infesting My Home?

Regularly clean your floors, especially in the bedroom, by vacuuming and sweeping. To trap any bed bugs that may be present, use a mattress and box spring encasement. Before bringing luggage inside, inspect hotel rooms for signs of infestation and use luggage racks to keep bags off the floor. After traveling, immediately wash all clothing in hot water and dry on high heat. Consider using bed bug monitors to detect any infestations early on.

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, do not try to treat it yourself. Contact a professional pest control company with experience in eliminating bed bugs. Avoid using foggers or bug bombs, as they can spread the infestation.

Keep in mind that not all bugs that resemble bed bugs are actually bed bugs. Some common lookalikes include bat bugs, swallow bugs, and carpet beetles. If you're unsure what type of bug you're dealing with, contact a pest control professional for identification.

Take preventative steps and be vigilant to greatly reduce your risk of a bed bug or lookalike infestation in your home.

Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs - Kissing Bugs

Triatomine bugs (also known as kissing bugs) can live indoors, in cracks and holes of substandard housing, or outdoors in a wide variety of settings.

Triatomines feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles at night. There are many different environments in which triatomine bugs live. They are generally found in close proximity to an animal that they can feed on, known as a blood host.

Some people can develop allergic reactions to the saliva of certain types of triatomines.

The symptoms of an allergic reaction can include severe redness, itching, swelling, welts, hives, or, rarely, anaphylactic shock.

Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs - Drugstore Beetle

Adult carpet beetles have large, oval-shaped bodies and small heads, and can measure between 2 and 5 millimeters in length.

Usually seen near windowsills or on carpets, they feed on flowers and plants.

Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs - Carpet Beetles

Adult carpet beetles have large, oval-shaped bodies and small heads, and can measure between 2 and 5 millimeters in length.

Usually seen near windowsills or on carpets, they feed on flowers and plants.

Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs - Booklice/Barklice

The abdomen of booklice is marked with white markings, while the rest of their bodies are translucent.

Unlike bed bugs, booklice do not bite or feed on the blood of humans or animals. They prefer damp and warm places.

Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs - Ticks

The tick is an arachnid, unlike bed bugs, which have six legs instead of eight.

Unlike bed bugs, ticks do not have antennae on their heads.

Bacteria, parasites, and viruses can be transmitted through tick bites, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs - Head Lice

The head lice only affect people and are gray in color.

Treatment is mandatory to prevent lice from feeding on your blood.

The head lice usually gather behind the ears and at the lower back of the head.

Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs - Head Lice

The head lice only affect people and are gray in color.

Treatment is mandatory to prevent lice from feeding on your blood.

The head lice usually gather behind the ears and at the lower back of the head.

Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs - Fleas

Fleas are another bed bug impostor.

With their narrow bodies, spiny legs, and backward-pointing bristles, fleas can move quickly through fur, woven fabrics, and hair.

They are excellent jumpers due to their hind legs.

Fleas feed on cats, dogs, mice, birds, people, and many other warm-blooded animals.

Cats and dogs provide a feast for fleas and are the main way fleas enter homes.

Flea larvae may be found in floor cracks, carpets, mattresses, or pet beds. They especially like places where they can feed on food, animal waste, and adult flea feces.

Although rare, fleas can transmit diseases such as typhus and plague.

Flea saliva can also cause severe allergic reactions in some people and pets.

Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs - Mites

There are thousands of species of mites, many of which live on animals.

The majority of mites are very small. Normally, they are less than 2 mm long, have eight legs, and have little or no segmentation.

Mites live a free-range lifestyle. Many of them consume decaying organic matter, but others eat insects and other mites. The majority of mite species inhabit domestic animals' ear canals, lungs, intestines, and bladders.

Several viruses and rickettsial diseases are transmitted by mites.

Mites that burrow into the skin can cause scabies, an intensely itchy skin condition that is contagious.

About X

X is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NapLab.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, Huffington Post, Washington Post, AskMen, and She Knows. X has personally tested over 268+ mattresses and hundreds of pillows, sheets, beds, and other sleep products.

See Our #1 Researched Mattress in 2024

Rated best for comfort and hotel-feel

Get 450$ OFF Mattresses

References

Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs

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If it has wings or more than six legs, it is not a bed bug.

Bed bugs have flattened bodies and rusty brown coloration (less so in younger nymphs). They have thin 4-segmented antennae and an 11-segmented abdomen. The legs are short (6 of them) and the wings are reduced, making it impossible for it to fly.

The following 9 insects are often mistaken for bedbugs:

• Bat bugs
• Spider beetles
• Baby cockroaches (cockroach nymphs)
• Woodlouse
• Kissing bugs
• Drugstore beetles
• Carpet beetles
• Ticks & booklice/barklice
• Fleas, head lice & mites

Their appearance and risks differ. The problem is that they're all difficult to eliminate.

Whether they're bed bugs or not, the insects have probably penetrated your mattress (among other things, including your clothes).

Replace your mattress as soon as possible (as a precautionary measure) with a safe and high-quality mattress like the Saatva Classic.

Ensure your mattress is zippered in a waterproof encasement. Make sure you wash and dry all your clothes at the hottest temperature possible.

The Saatva Classic provides amazing airflow which is great to keep bed bugs and other pests away. It is incredibly comfortable and comes with extremely friendly policies!

What Are The Signs Of Bed Bugs And How Can I Tell If I Have Them?

If you wake up with itchy, red bites in a line on your skin, you might have bed bugs. Other signs include small blood stains on your sheets, rusty-colored spots on your mattress or walls, or a musty odor in your room. To confirm a bed bug infestation, look for live bugs or their shed skins around your bed and furniture.

If you think you have bed bugs, take action right away. Wash your bedding in hot water and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Use a vacuum to clean your mattress and surrounding area thoroughly. Consider using a bed bug spray or hiring a professional exterminator. To prevent future infestations, inspect your bedding and furniture regularly and avoid bringing used furniture into your home.

Remember, bed bugs can happen to anyone, regardless of cleanliness. Be diligent in spotting and treating them to avoid discomfort and further spreading.

How Can I Distinguish Between Bed Bugs And Other Types Of Insects?

If you suspect you have bed bugs, you need to distinguish them from other insects right away. Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of people and animals. They're commonly found in mattresses, headboards, and furniture and leave itchy, red bite marks on your skin. Here's how to tell if you have bed bugs:

  • Bed bugs are flat and oval-shaped, with six legs and two antennae. They're about the size of an apple seed and reddish-brown in color.
  • Look for rust-colored spots on your sheets or mattress. These spots could be bed bug feces, which is made up of digested food and blood.
  • Check for small, circular eggs or shed skins. This is a sign that bed bugs have been present.
  • If you think you have bed bugs, contact a pest control expert to confirm the infestation and determine the right treatment.

It's important to act quickly if you think you have bed bugs. Waiting will only make them harder to get rid of. Be careful of DIY treatments, as they can be ineffective or even dangerous. Your best course of action is to call in a professional who can safely and effectively eliminate the infestation.

What Are Some Common Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs And How Can I Identify Them?

If you're unsure whether you're dealing with bed bugs or a look-alike, there are some common bugs you should be aware of. These include carpet beetles, booklice, and fleas. Carpet beetles are small and brown with a mottled pattern, while booklice are tiny and pale with a distinctive tapered body. Fleas are a bit larger and have a reddish-brown color.

To properly identify the pest, it's recommended to call in a professional exterminator. However, there are some differences between bed bugs and their imposters. Bed bugs are typically oval-shaped and flattened with a distinct head and antennae. They often leave behind small bloodstains on sheets and furniture.

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, act quickly and take preventative measures such as washing bedding in hot water and vacuuming carpets/furniture. When traveling, inspect hotel rooms before settling in. With proper identification and treatment, you can successfully rid your home of bed bugs and their look-alikes.

If I Find A Bug That Looks Like A Bed Bug, Should I Be Concerned?

If you come across a bug that looks like a bed bug, it's important to take immediate action. Bed bugs are difficult to get rid of and can quickly infest your home. First, confirm that it is a bed bug by examining its appearance and behavior. Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed on blood and hide in crevices and cracks. They also leave behind small red bites on your skin.

If you confirm it is a bed bug, don't panic. Inspect your home for signs of bed bugs, such as small bloodstains on sheets or mattresses and small shed skins. Wash all bedding in hot water and dry on high heat. Vacuum your entire home thoroughly, paying special attention to areas where bed bugs might hide, such as behind baseboards and in upholstered furniture.

Consider hiring a professional pest control service to help you get rid of the bed bugs. They have access to more effective treatments and can help you prevent future infestations. Avoid bringing secondhand furniture or clothing into your home and be cautious when traveling, as bed bugs are often found in hotels and other lodging.

Bed bugs are a serious issue and should be taken seriously. Taking prompt action and being vigilant can help you prevent a major infestation and keep your home bed bug-free.

What Steps Can I Take To Prevent Bed Bugs And Other Lookalike Bugs From Infesting My Home?

Regularly clean your floors, especially in the bedroom, by vacuuming and sweeping. To trap any bed bugs that may be present, use a mattress and box spring encasement. Before bringing luggage inside, inspect hotel rooms for signs of infestation and use luggage racks to keep bags off the floor. After traveling, immediately wash all clothing in hot water and dry on high heat. Consider using bed bug monitors to detect any infestations early on.

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, do not try to treat it yourself. Contact a professional pest control company with experience in eliminating bed bugs. Avoid using foggers or bug bombs, as they can spread the infestation.

Keep in mind that not all bugs that resemble bed bugs are actually bed bugs. Some common lookalikes include bat bugs, swallow bugs, and carpet beetles. If you're unsure what type of bug you're dealing with, contact a pest control professional for identification.

Take preventative steps and be vigilant to greatly reduce your risk of a bed bug or lookalike infestation in your home.

Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs - Kissing Bugs

Triatomine bugs (also known as kissing bugs) can live indoors, in cracks and holes of substandard housing, or outdoors in a wide variety of settings.

Triatomines feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles at night. There are many different environments in which triatomine bugs live. They are generally found in close proximity to an animal that they can feed on, known as a blood host.

Some people can develop allergic reactions to the saliva of certain types of triatomines.

The symptoms of an allergic reaction can include severe redness, itching, swelling, welts, hives, or, rarely, anaphylactic shock.

Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs - Drugstore Beetle

Drugstore beetles live inside food stored in unsecured containers as well as other items.

The kitchen and pantry are common targets, especially those with spills and crumbs.

Drugstore beetles can survive for weeks without food.

Drugstore beetles are named after the insect that infests items previously found in drugstores.

In addition to foods and other materials, they are reported to consume some prescription drugs in drugstores.

They can even bore through aluminum foil, so prevention is difficult.

A major concern with drugstore beetles is contamination of the products they infest.

Pest larvae cause the most damage to products, as they live, eat, and excrete waste within them.

Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs - Carpet Beetles

Adult carpet beetles have large, oval-shaped bodies and small heads, and can measure between 2 and 5 millimeters in length.

Usually seen near windowsills or on carpets, they feed on flowers and plants.

Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs - Booklice/Barklice

The abdomen of booklice is marked with white markings, while the rest of their bodies are translucent.

Unlike bed bugs, booklice do not bite or feed on the blood of humans or animals. They prefer damp and warm places.

Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs - Ticks

The tick is an arachnid, unlike bed bugs, which have six legs instead of eight.

Unlike bed bugs, ticks do not have antennae on their heads.

Bacteria, parasites, and viruses can be transmitted through tick bites, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs - Head Lice

The head lice only affect people and are gray in color.

Treatment is mandatory to prevent lice from feeding on your blood.

The head lice usually gather behind the ears and at the lower back of the head.

Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs - Fleas

Fleas are another bed bug impostor.

With their narrow bodies, spiny legs, and backward-pointing bristles, fleas can move quickly through fur, woven fabrics, and hair.

They are excellent jumpers due to their hind legs.

Fleas feed on cats, dogs, mice, birds, people, and many other warm-blooded animals.

Cats and dogs provide a feast for fleas and are the main way fleas enter homes.

Flea larvae may be found in floor cracks, carpets, mattresses, or pet beds. They especially like places where they can feed on food, animal waste, and adult flea feces.

Although rare, fleas can transmit diseases such as typhus and plague.

Flea saliva can also cause severe allergic reactions in some people and pets.

Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs - Mites

There are thousands of species of mites, many of which live on animals.

The majority of mites are very small. Normally, they are less than 2 mm long, have eight legs, and have little or no segmentation.

Mites live a free-range lifestyle. Many of them consume decaying organic matter, but others eat insects and other mites. The majority of mite species inhabit domestic animals' ear canals, lungs, intestines, and bladders.

Several viruses and rickettsial diseases are transmitted by mites.

Mites that burrow into the skin can cause scabies, an intensely itchy skin condition that is contagious.