Seven Pests That Some May Mistake for Bedbugs

Ever find a suspicious bug in your home that is reddish-brown and about the size of a small apple seed?

Similar to many, you immediately think that it’s a bed bug, when in fact, it might be a completely different household pest altogether.

Here’s what you may have seen!

Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate, and the damage they cause can range from itchy bites to psychological distress. However, not every tiny reddish-brown insect is a bed bug. Here are seven other household bugs that look like bed bugs in terms of size, shape, and color:

• Baby Cockroaches: Baby cockroaches, or cockroach nymphs, are the immature stage of cockroaches and can be mistaken for bed bugs due to their similar size and appearance. They are typically found in warm, dark, and moist environments, such as under sinks or behind appliances. Newly hatched cockroach nymphs can be as small as 3 millimeters, and their color varies from pale to dark brown. Similar to bed bugs, cockroach nymphs are wingless, small, and oval-shaped. However, cockroach nymphs tend to be more cylindrical, while bed bugs are flatter and seed-shaped. Cockroaches can spread pathogens, contaminate food, and may trigger allergies, and asthma, so be sure to call us to get rid of them if you see them around your home. 
• Carpet Beetles: Carpet beetles are another common household bugs that looks like bed bugs. These small beetles usually live outside but can sometimes enter homes, where their larvae feed on carpets, clothing, and other animal-based materials. Carpet beetles have large, oval-shaped bodies and small heads, and are typically around 2–5 millimeters long. Compared to bed bugs, carpet beetles have shorter legs that get tucked under their bodies when disturbed. Adult carpet beetles are harmless and mainly feed on pollen. However, their larvae can be problematic because they love to feed on natural fibers found in carpets, clothing, and upholstered furniture.
• Spider Beetles: Spider beetles are small, bulbous beetles that resemble spiders due to their long legs. They are often found in dark, moist places and can be mistaken for bed bugs because of their reddish-brown color and oval bodies. Spider beetles are smaller than bed bugs, measuring 1.5–3.5 millimeters and their abdomens are round and globular, whereas bed bug abdomens are typically flat and wide. Spider beetles are scavengers that feed on wool, fabrics, and food products. While they don’t pose a direct health threat, they can contaminate grains, dried fruits, and other stored foods.
• Fleas: Fleas are tiny, reddish-brown parasites that feed on blood. Infestations often begin when a dog or cat brings fleas inside the home. While their preferred hosts are furry pets, fleas will also bite humans. Fleas are similar in size to bed bugs, which is why they are often mistaken for them. Fleas can cause a wide range of health issues for both pets and humans, such as tapeworms, flea allergy dermatitis, and anemia. Their itchy bites can also lead to skin irritations and infections due to excessive scratching.
• Ticks: Ticks and bed bugs share some similarities, including their flat, wingless, oval-shaped bodies. However, ticks are arachnids and have eight legs, while bed bugs have six. Similar to bed bugs, tick bodies expand quite a bit after a blood meal. However, a fed tick takes on a round, bulbous shape while a bed bug takes on an elongated, football shape. Ticks can transport diseases, such as Lyme and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. If you find ticks, it’s important to address both the tick infestation and any potential risk from associated diseases.
• Booklice: Booklice are small, soft-bodied insects that can sometimes be mistaken for bed bugs due to their size and shape. Booklice have slender, elongated bodies measuring between 1–2 millimeters long, and are whitish-yellow or tan in color. Bed bug nymphs, on the other hand, have flat bodies resembling small seeds. Compared to bed bugs, booklice have longer legs and the hind pair appears extra thick. Booklice do not bite and are generally harmless. 
• Pill Bugs: Pill bugs are sometimes referred to as woodlice or roly-polies. Certain species may appear similar to bed bugs in terms of their size, color, and shape. They normally live outdoors in damp environments with lots of soil and vegetation, but can occasionally make their way indoors. Pill bugs have way more legs than bed bug do (14, in fact). When threatened, pill bugs can roll up their bodies into tight balls. Pill bugs are generally harmless and do not bite or transmit diseases. However, their presence might indicate moisture issues in your home.

Need Help Identifying Bed Bugs? At Alexandria Pest Services, We’re Here to Help!

Distinguishing bed bugs from other household pests can be challenging, especially when you’re already dealing with the stress of finding bugs in your home. So, if you suspect that you have bed bugs or any of the other pests described, be sure to call us as soon as possible.

At Alexandria Pest Services, our goal is to keep unwanted pests out of your home, and that includes keeping bed bugs and other insects and rodents at bay. We have professional treatments available to repel these pests and eradicate a potential infestation.

If you find that you are having a problem with bed bugs, spiders, roaches, termites, rodents, or other pests and need an exterminator in Springfield, Burke, Alexandria, or other parts of Northern Virginia, call Alexandria Pest Services at 703-923-0925 to schedule a professional evaluation. We can help you get rid of these invaders in your home or office! Contact us today to learn more.