Not Bed Bugs? Common Bugs Found in Your Bed That Aren’t Bed Bugs

If It’s Not Bed Bugs, Then What Is It?

You wake up with bites and itchy red welts, or you spot tiny insects scurrying across your sheets.

First thought? “Oh great, bed bugs.”

But hold on—what if it’s not bed bugs?

Your bed can be a cozy spot for all sorts of other critters.

Here’s the rundown of the usual suspects:

• Carpet Beetles: These little guys love natural fibres like wool and cotton. They’re small, round, and sometimes hairy. They don’t bite, but their larvae can cause allergic reactions that mimic bed bug bites. Find them chewing through your sheets? You probably have a carpet beetle problem.
• Spider Beetles: Often confused with bed bugs, spider beetles have long legs and a dark body, but they don’t bite humans. Instead, they’re scavengers that feed on dry goods and other organic matter. They’re nocturnal, so if you’re finding bugs during the day, you might want to look elsewhere.
• Cockroach Nymphs: Baby roaches in your bed? It happens. They can look a lot like bed bugs but are shinier and more oval. They love dark, hidden places and are attracted to food crumbs. Unlike bed bugs, they don’t bite, but they’re a sign of a much larger infestation.
• Fleas: If you have pets, these could be your main problem. Fleas are small, jumping insects that bite, leaving small, itchy welts. Unlike bed bugs, they usually bite around the ankles and lower legs.
• Booklice: Tiny, pale insects that thrive in humid environments. They’re not harmful to humans and don’t bite, but their presence can indicate a moisture problem in your home.
• Ticks: They can end up in your bed if they latch onto you or your pets after being outdoors, so check for them regularly, wash bedding in hot water, and use tick prevention on pets to keep your bed tick-free.

Understanding the type of bug is crucial for effective treatment.

How to Identify Bed Bugs vs. Other Pests

So, how do you tell if you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation or some other type of pest?

Here’s a breakdown:

• Bed Bugs: Flat, reddish-brown, and about the size of an apple seed. Bed bugs are notorious for their straight-line or zigzag bite patterns, typically found on exposed skin areas like the face, neck, and arms. They leave behind blood stains and dark fecal spots on your sheets.
• Carpet Beetles: Round and often hairy, carpet beetles are typically found where natural fibers are present. If you see holes in fabrics, find small beetles, or notice an allergic reaction similar to bed bug bites, these guys might be the culprit.
• Spider Beetles: Small, reddish-brown, and resembling spiders, they have a distinct appearance with long legs and a rounded abdomen. They don’t bite but can be found in dark, undisturbed areas.
• Cockroach Nymphs: Smaller and less dark than adult cockroaches, they can be mistaken for bed bugs due to their size and shape. However, they tend to scatter when the lights are turned on, unlike bed bugs which remain hidden.
• Fleas: Look for tiny, blackish-brown insects that jump. Fleas are often found on pets, but they can easily make their way into your bedding if your pet sleeps with you.

Remember, bed bugs are usually nocturnal, so bites that appear overnight are a clue. If you see bugs during the day, you might be dealing with a different kind of pest.

Signs You Might Have a Bug Infestation (But Not Bed Bugs)

Okay, so you’re seeing bugs or bites, but nothing about them screams “bed bug.”

Here are some signs that suggest it’s not bed bugs:

• Bites but no Blood Stains: Fleas, mosquitoes, and other insects can leave itchy bites without the telltale blood stains of bed bugs.
• Bugs During the Day: Bed bugs are nocturnal. If you’re seeing bugs during the day, they’re probably something else—like carpet beetles or spider beetles.
• Unusual Bites: Bed bug bites often appear in a straight line or cluster. If the bites are scattered or look different, they might be from fleas, mosquitoes, or even spiders.
• Signs of Chewing: Carpet beetles don’t bite, but they do chew through fabric. Holes in your sheets or clothing are a sign of a beetle problem.
• Moisture Issues: Booklice are tiny bugs that thrive in humid environments. If you have a moisture problem and spot tiny, pale bugs, it could be them.

Understanding these signs can help you narrow down the type of bug you’re dealing with and figure out the next steps for treatment.

Effective Ways to Get Rid of Bugs That Are Not Bed Bugs

Found out it’s not bed bugs?

Good news: the treatment might be easier.

Here’s what to do:

1. Vacuum Everything: Start with a thorough vacuum of your mattress, bed base, bed frame, and surrounding areas. For carpet beetles and flea eggs, vacuuming is one of the most effective ways to remove them.
2. Steamer: Use a hand steamer to kill insects on your bed instantly.
3. Wash and Dry: Wash all your bedding in hot water and dry it on high heat. This kills off any eggs or larvae.
4. Seal Cracks and Gaps: For cockroach nymphs and other small pests, sealing cracks and gaps in your walls and baseboards can help prevent them from entering.
5. Use Natural Long Term Killers: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth (bug killer) around your bed frame and in cracks. It’s a natural powder that dehydrates and kills pests like spider beetles and cockroaches.
6. Treat Your Pets: If you suspect fleas, make sure to treat your pets with appropriate flea medication and regularly clean their bedding.
7. Control Humidity: If booklice are the problem, reduce humidity in your home using dehumidifiers and ensure good ventilation.
8. Store Food Properly: To prevent cockroaches and spider beetles, store all food in airtight containers and keep your kitchen clean.

The key here is to eliminate what attracts these pests: food, moisture, and hiding places.

Preventing Bug Infestations in Your Home

Prevention is your best line of defense against these unwanted guests.

Here’s how to keep your home bug-free:

• Keep it Clean: Regularly clean your home, especially areas where food is stored or consumed. This includes vacuuming carpets, sweeping floors, and wiping down surfaces.
• Seal Food: Always keep food in sealed containers to avoid attracting pests like cockroaches and spider beetles.
• Control Moisture: Use dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels, especially in basements and other damp areas where booklice thrive.
• Inspect Second-Hand Furniture: Before bringing any second-hand furniture into your home, inspect it thoroughly for signs of pests.
• Use Bed Bug Barriers: Bed bug traps aren’t just for bed bugs—they can help keep other pests away from your bed too.
• Mattress Covers: Use a dust mite protector or a waterproof encasement to stop insects from living on your mattress.

By keeping a clean and dry environment, you can minimize the chances of a bug infestation—whether it’s bed bugs or something else.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What else could it be if not bed bugs?
   If it’s not bed bugs, it could be carpet beetles, spider beetles, cockroach nymphs, fleas, or ticks. These pests can also invade your bed and cause discomfort or skin irritation.
2. What can be mistaken for a bed bug?
   Carpet beetles, spider beetles, bat bugs, and booklice are commonly mistaken for bed bugs due to their small size and similar appearance. They don’t bite humans but may cause allergic reactions or skin irritation.
3. What is biting me at night, not bed bugs?
   If you’re getting bitten at night but it’s not bed bugs, it could be fleas, mosquitoes, mites, or even no-see-ums. These insects can leave itchy welts and are active during the night.
4. What mimics bed bug bites?
   Flea bites, mosquito bites, and allergic reactions to carpet beetle larvae or spider beetles can mimic bed bug bites. They all cause red, itchy bumps that can be easily confused with bed bug bites.

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If you enjoyed our blog “not bed bugs” then you might like to read what attracts bed bugs.

Sources:

Doctor Sniffs (bugs in the bed that are not bed bugs), Wikipedia (Insect)