You’re in your home minding your business when you see a bug. Aside from the obvious alarm you have at seeing a bug in your house you wonder what kind of bug it is. This is especially true if you spot one in your bedroom and you ask yourself, is it a bed bug? In this article we will look at the different types of bugs that can be confused for the troublesome invader. We will also look at how to tell the difference.
Bird Bugs
The first pest that can be confused for a bed bug is the bird bug. These can also be referred to as bird mites. Their appearance is similar, but they are in fact smaller in size. These bugs feed on birds but should their host disappear or die. Then they will go into homes searching for a host so they can feed. These mites also live on their host while bed bugs tend to only go to the host when they need a meal. Bird bugs also are unable to use human blood to help them reproduce. With this they make humans their last choice when possible.
Fleas
While there is no similarity in appearance, bed bugs and fleas can often be mistaken for one another simply due to the fact they bite. Fleas can jump and are smaller in size which makes them easier to identify. They also will leave bite marks in erratic patterns with bites and the bites tend to be on your lower extremities such as legs and feet. The other primary difference between the two is that fleas can cause disease with one disease being the Plague.
Mosquitos
Another insect that can often take the rap as being a bed bug but is not, would be the mosquito. The reason for this is due to the similarities in their bites. While the bites are very close in nature there are some ways to determine if it was a mosquito that bit you. If it was a mosquito their bite would appear quickly after the bite took place. These bites also tend to resolve in a faster manner than the bed bugs do. If it was a mosquito that bit you their bites tend to be more sporadic and will typically only be in areas where you have left your skin open to them. Meanwhile bed bugs can and will crawl under loose clothing during the night and bites can be in those spots as well.
Bat Bugs
The last insect we will look at is one that is thought to be a potential relative, and this is the bat bug. It is thought that bed bugs are a descendent of the bat bug and that is why they are so similar. While bed bugs like a human host a bat bug just as its name implies goes for bats. So how would you be able to tell the difference? Well Bat bugs can only reproduce off the blood of bats and they have longer hairs on them. If you do spot a bat bug you would want to check your home for bat infestation as this is the only time they typically appear.
Bed Bugs Versus Other Bugs
Now that you know the difference between some of the common insects mistaken for the dreaded insect you can better prepare. If you suspect, you have an infestation after learning about the other types of bugs you would want to reach out to an exterminator for guidance on treatment. If you are still unsure you can also ask them to come out to help identify your issue!
