How to Tell if You Have Bed Bugs or Carpet Beetles
They’re both tiny, oval-shaped, and crawl slowly. So how do you tell bed bugs and carpet beetles apart? The easiest thing to do is look at their larvae: Bed bug larvae look like little worms, while carpet beetle larvae look like miniature fuzzy caterpillars.
These two pests also have different behaviors that help to set them apart:
- Bed bugs breed and live in mattresses or in and around beds.
- Carpet beetles devour fabrics like carpet, wool, and other natural materials.
- Bed bugs feed on blood and leave red, itchy bites on people.
Bed Bug or Carpet Beetle?
Looks-wise, carpet beetles and bed bugs are easily confused with each other. Both are oval-shaped and tiny in size, but their similarities end there. Carpet beetles vary in color, have short antennae, and are typically smaller than bed bugs.
Bed bugs are reddish-brown in color, flat, and the size and shape of an apple seed. You can also see their eyes up close, while it’s hard to see eyes on carpet beetles. The biggest difference is in each specimen’s larvae: Bed bug larvae look like long, thin worms while carpet beetle larvae resemble fuzzy caterpillars.
Do You Have a Bed Bug Problem? We Can Help.
Click the button below to leave your information & we'll be in touch in an hour or less.
Can Carpet Beetles Bite Like Bed Bugs?
The good news is, carpet beetles do not bite. They do not require a blood meal like bed bugs. The main concern with carpet beetles is that they have been known to cause bumpy itchy rashes from the fibers on larvae. These symptoms can appear like bites, which is why it’s important to always keep an eye out. Always go see a doctor if any symptom becomes serious.
Do I Have Bed Bugs or Carpet Beetles in Wisconsin?
Although these pests can resemble each other, they are quite different in numerous ways. Needless to say, bed bugs are much more feared than carpet beetles because they pose more of a threat to your household. If you are having difficulty identifying which pest you are dealing with, it’s recommended to enlist the help of a professional pest control company.
How To Tell If You Have Bed Bugs or Carpet Beetles in Wisconsin
Serving Wisconsin