As a homeowner, you already have a lot on your plate. Between work, keeping up with the kids, and maintaining your home, the last thing you want to deal with is a mystery bug crawling across your bed or biting you in the middle of the night. You’re not a pest expert, but you know one thing for sure — bed bugs are the last thing you want to deal with.
But here’s the thing: not every small, reddish-brown insect is an actual bed bug. A handful of other bugs look like bed bugs, and some can even leave you with similar itchy bites.
To help you figure out what you’re dealing with, we’re breaking down five bugs that have been mistaken for bed bugs. Some are harmless, some are a nuisance, and others might require professional pest control.
1. Bat Bugs
At first glance, bat bugs and bed bugs look nearly identical. These small bugs are reddish-brown, have an oval-shaped body, and need a blood meal to survive — just like bed bugs. They both have six legs and a similar size (about the size of an apple seed).
While bat bugs are one of the most common bugs mistaken for bed bugs, it’s important to know that they aren’t quite the same. The key difference between these pests is that bat bugs prefer bats over humans. These tiny insects are often found in attics, chimneys, and wall voids where bats roost. If bats move out or are removed, the bat bugs left behind may start biting humans as a backup food source.
How to Tell Them Apart
If you have bat bugs, there’s a good chance bats have been living in or around your home. Unlike adult bed bugs, bat bugs have slightly longer spiny hairs on their bodies, which can be seen under a microscope. But unless you have an entomologist’s equipment lying around, your best bet is to call a professional pest control service to inspect your home.
2. Carpet Beetles
Carpet beetles are another common household pest that gets mistaken for bed bugs. While they don’t bite humans, they can still cause an allergic reaction that leads to red, itchy welts — making homeowners think they have bed bug bites.
While carpet beetles are some of the most common bugs mistaken for bed bugs, they’re not the same. They differ from bed bugs in a few key ways:
- Shape: Unlike bed bugs, they have a more rounded, dome-like body.
- Color: They can be dark brown, black, or patterned with white and yellow scales.
- Larvae: Carpet beetle larvae are fuzzy, worm-like, and can be found in natural fibers, pet hair, or stored fabrics.
Where to Find Them
Carpet beetles love to feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, and leather. They can be found in upholstered furniture, carpets, and closets — anywhere they can snack on fabric. If you suspect a carpet beetle infestation, check for small, irregular holes in clothing or furniture.
3. Cockroach Nymphs
If you thought bed bugs were bad, cockroach nymphs might be worse. These baby cockroaches look like bed bugs because they’re small, reddish-brown insects with long antennae and six legs.
How to Spot the Difference
- Cockroach nymphs move much faster than bed bugs.
- They prefer damp environments, like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
- They don’t bite humans, but they can still trigger allergies and spread bacteria.
If you’re seeing cockroach nymphs in your home, it could be a sign of a bigger infestation. The best solution is to call Dustin Pest Control. We offer cockroach extermination services in Central Valley, CA, and can eliminate these pests before they multiply.
4. Spider Beetles
Spider beetles might closely resemble bed bugs, but they’re harmless to humans. These tiny insects have a small apple seed shape, long legs, and six legs, giving them a spider-like appearance.
Where They Hide
Spider beetles are often found in pantries, wooden structures, and even inside walls. They feed on grains, dried food, and organic matter, so if you find them, it’s time to check your kitchen for open food containers or signs of contamination.
While they don’t bite or transmit diseases, spider beetles are still a common household pest that you probably don’t want to stick around.
5. Swallow Bugs
Swallow bugs are another bug mistaken for bed bugs, especially because they bite and leave behind skin irritation. These wingless insects look nearly identical to bed bugs but are mainly found in bird nests, especially where nesting cliff swallows are present.
The Key Difference
Swallow bugs rely on birds, not humans, as their main food source. However, if birds abandon a nest near your home, swallow bugs might enter your house in search of a meal.
If you live near bird nests and suspect swallow bugs are invading, you may want to contact a pest management professional to make sure they don’t stick around.
What If You Actually Have Bed Bugs?
If you’ve ruled out all of the bed bug lookalikes and still suspect an infestation, it’s time to take action. Bed bugs in California are a growing problem, and they won’t go away on their own.
Now that you know the various bugs that look like bed bugs, you probably want to get to the root of your problem. Signs of an actual bed bug infestation include:
- Small, reddish-brown insects hiding in your bed frame, mattress seams, and upholstered furniture
- Tiny blood spots on your sheets or mattress
- Shed bed bug nymphs exoskeletons
- Itchy bites in clusters or straight lines on your skin
The bad news? Bed bugs don’t just disappear; they multiply fast. The good news? A professional pest management team can get rid of them for good.
Get Expert Pest Control and Sleep Easy Again!
If you’ve spotted a suspicious bug in your home, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have bed bugs. There are several bugs mistaken for bed bugs, including bat bugs, carpet beetles, and cockroach nymphs. While some of these pests are harmless, others can bite, trigger allergies, or indicate a larger infestation. Knowing the difference can save you time, stress, and unnecessary treatments.
No one wants to deal with a bed bug infestation or any of the bugs that look like bed bugs. If you’ve spotted suspicious small insects in your home and need answers, Dustin Pest Control is here to help.
Our team has the experience and tools to identify common household pests and eliminate potential infestations before they worsen. Whether it’s bed bugs or some other insect, we’ll make sure your home is pest-free so you can sleep soundly again. Schedule your pest control service today in Fresno, CA, or one of the surrounding areas!