Family Owned Pest Control in Washington & Utah
License # 101704
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- License # 101704
Have you ever woken up with itchy red bites and wondered if you have bed bugs? Or found small critters crawling around your home and couldn't tell if they were bed bugs or beetles?
You're not alone. Many homeowners find themselves playing detective, trying to figure out which tiny invaders have taken up residence in their homes.
And if you think all small, crawling insects are the same, think again. Bed bugs and beetles may share some similarities, but they couldn't be more different when it comes to appearance, behavior, and the havoc they can wreak on your home.
Knowing the difference between bed bugs and beetles is crucial for effective pest control. Let's uncover the mystery and help you become a bug-identifying pro.
In this post, we'll explore the key differences between these two pests, how to identify them, and what steps to take if you find yourself with an infestation.
Let’s explore the key bed bug vs. beetle differences more in depth.
One of the easiest ways to distinguish between bed bugs and beetles is by their size and shape. Bed bugs are small, oval-shaped insects that are usually about the size of an apple seed - roughly 5-7 millimeters in length. They have flat, reddish-brown bodies that swell and turn bright red after feeding.
Beetles, on the other hand, come in various shapes and sizes, but most common household beetles are larger than bed bugs, ranging from 2-20 millimeters.
They have hard, shell-like bodies that can be round, elongated, or even square depending on the species. Their colors can vary widely, from black and brown to metallic green and blue.
While bed bugs are typically reddish-brown, their color can change depending on their feeding status. A bed bug that has just had a blood meal will appear more red and swollen compared to one that hasn't fed recently.
Beetles boast a wide array of colors and textures. Some have smooth, shiny shells, while others may have textured or patterned exoskeletons. For example, the carpet beetle is small and round with a mix of black, white, and yellow scales, making it look almost fuzzy.
Bed bugs are notorious for their blood-sucking habits. They feed exclusively on blood, usually while you're sleeping. They inject an anesthetic and an anticoagulant into your skin, making their bites painless initially but itchy and irritating later. Bed bugs can go for months without feeding, hiding in cracks and crevices near your bed.
Beetles, however, have a more varied diet. Depending on the species, beetles can be herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores.
Carpet beetles, for instance, feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, and leather, making them a threat to your clothing and furniture. Other beetles, like the ladybug, are beneficial as they feed on aphids and other garden pests. Most types of beetles do not bite.
Bed bugs are slow movers and tend to stay close to their food source - you. They prefer to hide in the seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and headboards, coming out at night to feed.
Beetles are more active and can be found in various parts of your home. They might crawl around window sills, pantry shelves, or even your garden. Some beetles, like the flour beetle, are drawn to stored grains and can infest your kitchen.
The first sign of a bed bug infestation is often itchy red welts on your skin. You might also notice small blood stains on your sheets or dark, rusty spots of bed bug excrement. Bed bugs also shed their skin, so you might find tiny, translucent shells near their hiding spots.
Other signs include a musty odor caused by the bed bugs' scent glands. If you suspect bed bugs, check the seams of your mattress and box spring, behind headboards, and in the cracks of your bed frame.
Signs of a beetle infestation depend on the species. Carpet beetles leave behind irregular holes in clothing and furniture as they feed on natural fibers. You might also find shed skins or tiny droppings near infested items.
For pantry beetles, the signs include small holes in food packaging, webbing in stored grains, and tiny beetles crawling around your pantry. Some beetles, like the wood-boring beetle, leave small exit holes in wooden structures.
Understanding the differences between bed bugs and beetles can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration. While both pests can be unwelcome guests, knowing how to identify them and understanding their behavior can help you take the appropriate action.
There are plenty of DIY methods you can try to get rid of either type of pest, but if you suspect an infestation and aren't sure what you're dealing with, it's always best to consult a professional. They’ll help you pinpoint the differences between a bed bug vs. beetle infestation and create tailored treatments for either type of problem.
At Zunex Pest Control, we specialize in identifying and eliminating all kinds of pests, including bed bugs and beetles. Our expert team serves Auburn, WA, as well as Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah.
Don't wait for the problem to get worse - contact us today and reclaim your home from unwanted invaders.
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