These Insects Are Often Mistaken For Bed Bugs

Many people often mistake other insects for bed bugs. As soon as they spot a bug, or start getting bitten, they think it’s a bed bug infestation. But how do you know if you’re actually infested with bed bugs? To help you figure this out, here are some of the more common insects mistaken for bed bugs.

Which insects look like bed bugs?

Some insects mistaken for bed bugs include the carpet beetle. If you look at a picture of these insects online, it’s easy to see why. Carpet beetles are roughly the same size as bed bugs. Many of them also have a similar colouring. You may also spot these beetles crawling around on the carpet near your bed.

Other insects mistaken for bed bugs include bat bugs. These insects look very similar to bed bugs. The biggest difference between them is that bat bugs normally feed on the blood of bats. Although they are rarely found in our homes, it is possible for humans to pick up an infestation and have them end up in their bed.

You may also be dealing with book lice. These insects have a flat shape and are semi-transparent, which is why people sometimes think they are bed bugs. Then you have spider beetles which are coloured reddish brown, just like bed bugs. And, of course, ticks, which are much bigger than bed bugs but can have a similar shape.

Which insects bite like bed bugs?

More insects bites mistaken for bed bugs are from fleas. This happens because people get bitten and think the bites come from bed bugs. It’s easy to see why. Flea bites are almost exactly the same as bed bug bites. The biggest difference is that fleas bites are mostly on the lower parts of your body. For example, on your ankles.

With all of this confusion, how do you actually know if you’re seeing bed bugs? To begin with, you should probably search for pictures of bed bugs online, so that you know what they look like.

You should also look for the signs of bed bugs. Do you have spots of dried blood on your bedding? This is caused by bed bugs feeding on you. Are you also seeing dark brown spots? This is caused by the bed bugs faecal matter. Another huge sign is that you’re getting bitten. Are you waking up with large red bites on your torso, arms, shoulders, or neck? These bites are more than likely caused by bed bugs.

What you should also understand is that you’re unlikely to actually see the bed bugs. The reason why these bugs have survived alongside humans for centuries is because they instinctively hide themselves. This is partly why bed bugs affect mental health so badly. Bed bugs stay away from human sight and only emerge during the night.