Bugs in your bed can only mean one thing – you have bed bugs! Right?
Wrong. Other bugs look similar to bed bugs but aren’t the same. Chief among these are bat bugs.
What Are Bat Bugs?
These bugs are parasites that live off the blood of mammals. They are of the family Cimicidae, which is the same family to which bed bugs belong. The bugs range from beige to brown, depending on their maturity. They may appear red after feeding. Their appearance is flat with a slightly elongated round shape that expands immediately after feeding. They grow to a length of 5mm when they are fully mature.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are also parasitic insects that feed off the blood of mammals. Their family is also Cimicidae. They have a dark brown or mahogany color (but may look black) and appear red after feeding. The little parasites have a flat, oval shape that expands after feeding. When they are fully mature, they reach a length of 6mm.
What Is The Difference Between Bed Bugs And Bat Bugs?
Besides differences in color and length, there are several differences between bat the two:
– Bed bugs prefer the blood of humans. The bat variety likes the blood of bats (most commonly brown bats or small bats). However, they will feed on human blood if their preferred food source is not available. They do require bat blood to reproduce and complete their life cycle.
– Both bat and bed bugs can leave itchy, red bites after biting. Neither of their bites is, however, infectious and don’t transmit diseases. The bat type of bed bug carries pathogens on their skin. They probably contract these pathogens from bats, which also could transfer to humans. The tiny critters can, therefore, be more harmful to humans than regular bed bugs.
-Bed bugs are widespread in Seattle. It is unlikely that you will find bat bugs in your home. If you do have these bugs, they have probably migrated from bats. Meaning there are bats in your home or close by.
How Do You Know Whether You Have Bat or Bed Bugs In Your Home?
The differences between bat and bugs are barely noticeable. They are both so tiny that they are challenging to see in the first place.
Be smart and contact Seattle’s Best Pest Detection. We will conduct an inspection to identify what pests are lurking in your home. Our pest detectives are also experts at identifying the differences between bat and bed bugs.
Both types of bugs are considered to be pests. Eliminate them as soon as possible to prevent an infestation from occurring. While these bugs remain close to their food source, bed bugs and bat bugs aren’t only found in beds. Carpets, headboards, curtains, upholstery, and clothes are other places they hide. They commonly migrate from one home to another on clothing.
