Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs: How to Identify Small Insect Lookalikes

Small Insects That Look Like Bed Bugs

Trying to identify a bug infestation? Many small crawling insects resemble bed bugs in appearance, so they can be mistaken for the blood-sucking pests. But on closer inspection, you may realize the bugs plaguing your home are something else entirely.

This guide covers common lookalike insects that people often confuse with bed bugs. Learn details about each one's appearance, habits, bite symptoms, and prevention so you can properly identify the bugs and get rid of them.

Bed Bug Basics

Before diving into lookalikes, let's recap some key bed bug identification traits:

• Oval shaped, flat bodies, about the size of an apple seed
• Six legs with small joints
• Reddish-brown to brown in color
• No wings
• Give off a sweet, musty odor
• Bites cause clusters of raised itchy welts
• Nest in cracks near sleeping areas

Keep these markers in mind as you evaluate other suspicious insects that resemble bed bugs.

Spider Beetles

Spider beetles are one of the bugs most frequently mistaken for bed bugs. These tiny black beetles have long legs and antennae that make them look like spiders.

Some key differences:

• Shinier body than bed bugs
• Legs attach to sides rather than front like bed bugs
• Don't bite humans

Spider beetle larvae are hairy, tan, and also cause concern due to resemblance to bed bugs. However, larvae prefer foods like cereals, grains, and pet food over blood.

Carpet Beetles

Varied and black carpet beetles are common household pests that look like little black bed bugs crawling around. Identifying features:

• Black oval bodies covered with tiny hairs
• Antennae clearly visible
• Varying brown/white patterns on backs (varied carpet beetles)
• Don't drink blood or bite

The larvae are hairy and gold/brown in color. Their bites can irritate skin but they prefer munching on natural fibers and fabrics.

Bat Bugs

Bat bugs are close cousins to bed bugs and look nearly identical. Key points:

• Bite humans but prefer bats
• Usually found in attics or other bat roosting sites
• Bites cause similar itchy welts like bed bugs

Bat bugs are less likely to spread through a home since they prefer their bat hosts. But they'll bite people if bats aren't available.

Chiggers

These tiny red mites are so small they can be mistaken for bed bug nymphs. However, some differences:

• Nearly microscopic, about 1/120-1/150 inch long
• Bright red in color
• Live in vegetation like grass and weeds
• Crawl on skin and bite, causing intensely itchy welts

Chigger bites usually occur around the ankles, waistline, and groin after being in infested areas. They don't continue biting or infest homes.

Fleas

Fleas are dark colored wingless insects that can resemble bed bugs, although they have key differences:

• Thinner bodies able to move side-to-side easily
• Powerful hind legs perfect for jumping long distances
• Prefer pets as hosts but will bite people
• Cause small itchy red bumps on skin

Fleas live on animal hosts and infest areas like pet beds, carpets, and furniture. Their bites often occur around ankles and legs in clusters.

Lice

Lice appear in a few different forms, some of which look like bed bugs:

• Head lice - Baby lice resemble the size and shape of bed bug nymphs but are yellowish or grey and attach to hair shafts.
• Body lice - Also resemble nymphs but nest in clothing seams and mainly occur in unsanitary conditions.
• Pubic lice - Crab-like lice that infest coarse hair and cause intense itchiness.

Lice feed on blood and can spread between humans but don't infest homes or furniture like bed bugs.

Cockroach Nymphs

Newly hatched cockroaches known as nymphs look similar to bed bugs with their oval shape and brown color. Key differences:

• Shiny brown exterior
• Spiky legs
• Two dark stripes on the back
• Active roach-like movement
• Multiply quickly and infest kitchens/bathrooms

Cockroach nymphs grow into full-size roaches in about 6-12 months. Crowded conditions allow populations to spread rapidly.

Swallow Bug Nymphs

These lookalikes prey on cliff swallow nests but will bite humans aggressively. They share similarities with bed bugs:

• Flat, oval bodies
• Reddish-brown in color
• Bites produce itchy swollen welts

Distinct differences are their legs appear banded and they gather in large numbers on nests built under eaves.

How to Confirm Bed Bugs

If you find any suspicious insects that resemble bed bugs, there are a few steps you can take to confirm their identity:

Closely Inspect the Bugs

Catch one of the insects (safely) and look at it up close using a magnifying glass. The body shape, markings, and other details should help distinguish lookalikes from bed bugs.

Look for Signs Around Sleep

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.