What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like? Information on Symptoms & Treatment

Bed bug bite infographic - Batzner Pest Control in Wisconsin

I’ve encountered mosquito bites, flea bites, and spider bites, but never had I encountered bed bug bites until I traveled to San Francisco CA. I made the trip at least four times a year; however, this time was different—opting to stay in a nearby hotel instead of with family or friends. I remember lying in bed. The room was hot and stuffy, causing me to toss and turn throughout the night. When morning came, I was exhausted but began my usual morning routine eager to get on the road.

After a quick rinse, I dragged myself over to the mirror and that’s when I noticed them: little red bumps across my chest. Quickly, I scurried over to the bed—pulling off sheets, flipping pillows, inspecting the mattress and the box spring—nothing! How could this have happened? It was a top-rated hotel. Were these bed bug bites, or was it another blood-sucking insect?

When & How Do Bed Bugs Bite?

While you are sleeping, bed bugs will bite using their mouthparts, commonly referred to as beaks. As they bite, they release an anticoagulant in their saliva preventing your blood from clotting. This allows them to receive a steady two- to three-minute blood meal; what they need in order to survive and reproduce. Bed bugs will not bite in defense, they will only bite for the sole purpose of feeding.

Due to the anesthetic properties in a bed bug’s saliva, their bites are initially painless, which is why they bite while you’re sleeping. Once the numbing effect wears off, an itchy rash may ensue.

How Do I Know if it’s a Bed Bug Bite?

Identifying bed bug bites can be difficult. Here are some distinguishing factors to help discern them from other insect bites:

  • If you felt the bite when it occurred, it was not a bed bug.
  • If bites are random and spread out, it was probably not bed bugs.
  • If the bite forms a blister, it could be a bed bug bite.
  • If the bites follow a pattern (straight or a zig-zag), they could be bed bug bites. They also tend to be in groupings of three to five.

These factors are not definitive, as reactions and circumstances can vary greatly.

Photo of bed bug bites in Wisconsin - Batzner Pest Control

Common Reactions to Bed Bug Bites

Reactions to bed bug bites differ from person to person from none to a full-blown allergic reaction. A mild reaction may reveal flat, red bumps at the bite sites. A more severe reaction may include an irritating itch or swelling. Resisting the itch is incredibly difficult, but giving in to it can cause severe irritation to the skin, increasing your risk for an infection. It’s the chemicals in the bed bug’s saliva that trigger such reactions, some lasting more than two weeks.

How Do I Treat Bed Bug Bites?

For mild reactions, try these simple home remedies:

  • Wash the bite with warm, soapy water.
  • Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling.
  • Take an antihistamine to settle the itchiness.
  • Apply calamine lotion or anti-inflammatory cream.

Am I Having an Allergic Reaction to Bed Bug Bites?

Although it is uncommon, some people can suffer an allergic reaction. According to WebMD if you have an allergic skin reaction to a bed bug bite, use a cream with a corticosteroid, take an oral antihistamine, and most importantly, see your doctor. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can be:

  • Intense itching
  • Swelling
  • Hives
  • Blisters

In extremely rare cases, those who are highly allergic to bed bug bites could experience anaphylaxis, causing respiratory problems, hives, or tightness of the throat. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology claims that bed bugs can also trigger asthma for some individuals if a large amount of bed bug skin particles become airborne. In any case, always consult a medical professional if you begin to experience more serious symptoms. It’s important to note that bed bugs are not disease transmitters. Studies have shown that a bed bug, testing positive for the disease after feeding on an infected host, did not transmit the disease to another host. There are no confirmed cases of bed bugs transmitting any disease to humans.

Bed Bugs in Wisconsin

Known to be international travelers and expert hitchhikers, bed bugs are everywhere. As you travel, you increase your chances of being bit. However, knowing how to identify the bites and what your treatment options are will help you decide your next course of action. For help with bed bug problems in your Wisconsin home or business, contact the experts at Batzner Pest Control. Learn more about where to look for bed bugs and how to avoid them with these great blogs:

How to Inspect for Bed Bugs and Avoid Them While Traveling

Places You Wouldn’t Expect to Find Bed Bugs

Sleep Tight, Don’t Let These Bed Bug Myths Bite

How Easily Do Bed Bugs Spread?

Bed bugs travel by latching onto items, not people. Batzner Pest Control in Wisconsin.

One of the biggest fears with bed bugs is their ability to silently spread throughout your property before they are discovered. But just how quickly do bed bugs spread in the first place? A single bed bug can lay up to 12 eggs in a single day—and up to 500 in its lifetime. Even a small infestation, then, can quickly turn into something much larger. Bed bugs inside your home or business can easily move from room to room, making it important to recognize the signs of their activity in order to put a stop to it early. The experts at Batzner Pest Control are here to help.

Can People Spread Bed Bugs?

Because bed bugs bite people, it’s easy to assume people can spread bed bugs. However, this is not the case. Unlike fleas and ticks, bed bugs do not latch onto people. Instead, they will retreat after feeding. Bed bugs most commonly are spread when infested items are moved from one area to another. Typically, this happens when infested furniture or items are moved from one room to another. The spread of bed bugs can also be traced back to travelers and college kids bringing home infested suitcases.

Tips to Keep Bed Bugs From Spreading

To prevent bed bugs from spreading throughout your home, it’s important to learn how to inspect for bed bug activity. In addition, some of the best ways to prevent bed bugs are to:

  1. Be wary of purchasing second-hand furniture unless you’ve inspected it thoroughly for bugs.
  2. Place protective covers over the mattresses and box springs in your home.
  3. When traveling, use hard shell suitcases and thoroughly inspect your hotel room for bed bugs. Always store luggage up off the ground.
  4. When arriving home from traveling, steam clean your suitcase and wash all clothing before storing everything away.
  5. If you utilize shared laundry facilities or a laundromat, seal your clothes in a plastic bag to and from the facility, and always fold your clothes at home.

How Can I Stop Bed Bugs From Getting Inside?

Bed bugs may be slow crawlers, but their silent nature leads to a small infestation quickly turning into a large infestation. To stop these infamous pests from getting into your Wisconsin home, or worse, spreading throughout your property, simply learn how to recognize the signs of bed bug activity. For more information on keeping bed bugs out, contact the bed bug experts here at Batzner Pest Control!

Afraid of Rodents and Bugs? 2021 May Not Be Your Year

Batzner pest control in Wisconsin - Serving New Berlin, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison, Racine and surrounding areas

Entomologists from Batzner’s parent company, Rentokil Provide their Pest Predictions for 2021

READING, Penn. (Jan. 4, 2021) — As if 2020 didn’t present enough challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 could be a banner year for pests around the country.

To help residents prepare for 2021, entomologists from Rentokil used field knowledge and data to provide their predictions for pests in the upcoming year.

1. Rodents, Rodents Everywhere:

With shutdowns across the country, it’s no surprise that rodents are on the rise nationwide. Empty buildings, the scarcity of food and warmer winters have combined to create a rodent apocalypse.

“We’re seeing more rats in urban, suburban and rural settings because of the shutdowns,” said Marc Potzler, Board Certified Entomologist. “Food sources are cut off, and rats are having to travel to scavenge for food. We’ve seen rats out in public during the day, which is highly unusual.”

Warmer winters have also allowed for mice populations to boom in residential areas as it allows for a longer breeding season and there is a lower population loss due to hard freezes.

“Right now is the perfect time to rodent-proof your home,” said Potzler. “Make sure to repair any gaps on the exterior of your home, such as around garage doors, windows or pipes.”

2. Mosquitoes on the Move:

Mosquitoes populations have been increasing over the last few years. Aedes species, which are disease-carrying mosquitoes, are also moving to new areas. These mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Zika virus, among other diseases.

“There is an increase of mosquitoes across the country, but notably on the West Coast, and they are adapting each year,” said Eric Sebring, Associate Certified Entomologist. “We have seen evidence of behavior adaptation, where mosquitoes lay their eggs strategically to hatch throughout the season.”

Protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes by removing any standing water on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of water. Also, wear EPA-approved insect repellent while spending time outside.

3. Bed Bugs:

The chatter about bed bugs was quiet in 2020, but that’s not because they have gone away.

“As people begin to travel again, we will start to hear about bed bug infestations,” said Sebring. “Bed bugs can be dormant for several months at a time, so they can emerge when a food source, humans, become available.”

Bed bugs are considered hitchhikers, traveling from place to place on people, luggage, clothing and other personal belongings. Homeowners and businesses such as hotels, colleges, hospitals, senior living facilities, retail stores, and libraries have experienced problems with bed bugs.

If traveling, inspect the bed by pulling back the sheets to examine the mattress. Check your luggage before packing and unpacking, and look for signs of living or dead bugs the size of an apple seed or black fecal smears.

4. More Time Outdoors = More Pests.

From hiking to gardening to dining al fresco, there is no doubt that the pandemic has forced people to spend more time outdoors.

In 2021, we will see the outdoor pest pressures continue:

Ticks: Ticks are responsible for transmitting several diseases, including Lyme disease, to humans and animals. These small insects are found in grassy areas and in the woods, so it is important to inspect yourself and your pets after spending time outdoors. Cover as much skin as possible while outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeves, closed-toed shoes, and tuck pant legs into socks. Light-colored clothing will also help any ticks you pick up stand out.

Ants: “As soon as the weather starts to warm up, we will see an increase in ant populations,” said Tom Dobrinska, Board Certified Entomologist. “Most of the ants we are dealing with are odorous house ants. When spending time outside, make sure to clean up any food, water or sugary substances and ensure that your home is free of any holes or cracks for them to enter.”

Stinging Insects: Stinging insects, such as wasps and yellow jackets, emerge at the first sign of warm weather, and as warm weather seasons are getting longer, stinging insects have more time to create issues. Make sure you check for nests early in the spring as they are smaller and get early nest treatment. Make sure to keep windows and doors shut, and secure outside bins so stinging insects are not attracted to the contents.

5. Termites Aren’t Going Anywhere

Termites are a pesky problem, and unfortunately, are not going anywhere. Termites can cause extensive damage to structures, especially homes. As people are moving out of cities during the pandemic to more suburban areas, education about termite protection is key.

“We received more calls for termites this past year than we have in many years,” said Potzler. “It’s important to raise awareness for homeowners now to have proactive protection to keep from costly repairs in the future.”

6. Pests in the News:

There are a few pests that will continue to steal the limelight in 2021.

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an invasive pest that has been making its way across the country since it was first introduced from Asia in 2001. Besides its pungent odor, this stink bug has become a nuisance for homeowners as it gathers in large numbers on the sides of houses and buildings and enters through small cracks in the home. “The brown marmorated stink bug is here to stay,” said Dobrinska. “We will continue to see this species emerge in late spring in large numbers.”

The Spotted Lanternfly will continue to wreak havoc across the Northeast and beyond. The invasive pest, first found in Pennsylvania in 2014, is spreading across the Northeast, with New York reporting its first sighting this year. The pest can significantly damage trees and plants.

“The Spotted Lanternfly is becoming a big problem in the Northeast, and it will continue to spread,” said Potzler. “It can be devastating for agriculture and is a nuisance for homeowners.”

The egg masses look like a smear of mud on trees and outside of homes. It’s important to scrape the egg mass off, put it in a bag with rubbing alcohol and throw it away, and then call the state department of agriculture.

The infamous “Murder Hornet,” also known as the Asian giant hornet, grabbed many headlines, causing homeowners to panic trying to decipher the difference between stinging insects in their yards and this aggressive species. The Asian giant hornet is the largest hornet species in the world, growing up to 3 inches in length. Currently, the Asian giant hornet has only been found in the Pacific Northwest.

“We know that there was one colony found and eliminated in Washington State,” said Sebring. “Unfortunately, if there is one, there will be more.”

While your chances of being stung by an Asian giant hornet are fairly low, the sting can be dangerous as the venom volume is higher, causing more pain. The hives are primarily built underground or in hollows in trees. If you suspect it is an Asian giant hornet or any stinging pests, call your pest management provider to assess the situation as soon as you spot activity.

Pest Seasonality in Wisconsin

Stink bugs are a seasonal pest problem in Wisconsin - Batzner Pest Control

Here in Wisconsin, pests are a problem all year-long. Different weather conditions and seasonality plays a large role in what pests are most active during certain parts of the year. Some pests that prefer warmer weather nearly disappear in the winter, while other pests in the fall will overwinter in your home until spring rolls around. To better prepare yourself for a possible infestation, it’s important to know which pests are common during certain parts of the year. With information from the NPMA, we are here to share all you need to know about pest seasonality in Wisconsin.

Fall & Winter Pests

Colder weather and snow will always drive more pests indoors in the fall and winter months. In 2020, it has been predicted that a milder winter than usual will result in prolonged Asian lady beetle and stink bug activity. Tick problems may also be active for longer this season. Other pests to be wary of during the colder months of the year in Wisconsin include rodents, boxelder bugs, carpenter ants, and more.

Winter pests in the Great Lakes United States map
 
Beetles
 
Stink Bugs
 
Ticks

Spring Pest Problems

Pest activity springs back into action once winter comes to an end. Blooming flowers, warming temperatures, and heavy rainfall encourages pests of all kinds to resume activity and reproduce. The common spring pests in Wisconsin include:

  • Ants. Certain ant species will forage for food in the warmer months. Rainy weather also drives ants out of their colonies and into homes for shelter.
  • Termites Every spring, termites leave their nests to mate and start new colonies. This is called “swarming”.
  • Mosquitoes. When we experience heavy rainfall, mosquito season will burst into life. With their peak season in the months following, they start to be more active in the spring.
  • Bed Bugs. While these are a year-round problem, increased traveling in the springtime always leads to an increase in bed bug activity.

Summer Pest Threats

Summertime in Wisconsin is the busiest pest season. Summer temperatures cause many types of pest colonies to mature and grow in size. Here are the ones to look out for in Wisconsin:

  • Mosquitoes. These parasitic insects lay more eggs in the summer and tend to be our biggest pest problem this time of year.
  • Stinging insects. Wasps, bees, and hornets are at full force in the summertime. They can build nests near residential areas.
  • Flies. Summer is the peak breeding season for flies. They are infamous for being a nuisance at outdoor summer events.
  • Termites. Warm weather is when termites are able to thrive and cause the most damage.

Year-Round Pests in Wisconsin

To better prepare yourself for an infestation, it’s important to understand the pest seasonality here in Wisconsin. Our colder winters may deter some pests, but they also can drive certain pests right into our homes. To protect your property from pests year-round, contact the pest control experts at Batzner.

8 Common Bed Bug Myths

Common bed bug myths in Wisconsin - Batzner Pest Control

Bed bugs. We all dread the very thought of them, the thought of getting an infestation in your own home even more. But are they really as scary as they seem? Bed bugs incite a lot of fear in people and, in turn, lead to a lot of false information spread. Because there are so many bed bug myths out there, it’s important to learn how to separate fact from fiction in order to better prepare yourself for an infestation down the line. With Bed Bug Awareness Week underway, the experts at Batzner Pest Control want to help dispel common bed bug myths.

Common Questions About Bed Bugs

As a pest control company, we see a lot of misconceptions about pests and the dangers they pose. A few of the most common inquiries about bed bugs include:

  1. Do bed bugs feed at night or during the day?
    • These pests are active when their hosts are at rest. This usually means overnight, but they are not nocturnal. Bed bugs are able to adjust their schedule to feed whenever you are at rest.
  2. Do bed bugs only infest your bedroom?
    • Contrary to their name, bed bugs infest more than just your bed. They’ve been known to infest chairs, sofas, cracks in the wall, and even power outlets.
  3. Can you see bed bugs with the naked eye?
    • Yes. Although nymphs are nearly impossible to see, adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed and are definitely visible.
  4. Are bed bugs more likely to infest messy homes?
    • Not at all. Anyone is prone to a bed bug problem, regardless of whether your home is clean or messy.
  5. Do bed bugs jump or fly?
    • No! Unlike fleas and ticks, bed bugs have underdeveloped wings. To get from one place to another, they crawl.
  6. Should you dispose of infested furniture?
    • Definitely not. Moving around infested furniture can actually spread bed bugs to other areas of your home.
  7. Can bed bug bites transmit disease?
    • Unlike mosquitoes and other pests, bed bug bites do not transmit any dangerous diseases or germs.
  8. Can you get rid of bed bugs by yourself?
    • No, DIY bed bug treatment is never a viable solution. A bed bug infestation requires professional treatment to exterminate.

How to Deal With Bed Bugs

Bed bug problems can happen to anyone. Thankfully, there are several ways to possibly avoid a problem. Always be wary of buying used furniture unless you inspect it for bed bugs first. In addition, take caution while traveling. This includes inspecting your hotel room for bugs and being careful when unpacking your suitcase. Lastly, get regular inspections from a professional pest control company who knows exactly how to spot early signs of bed bugs and other pest problems. The team at Batzner is here for you–contact our bed bug exterminators today!

Do DIY Pest Control Methods Work?

Sprays are a common DIY pest control method in New Berlin WI. Learn more from Batzner Pest Control.

You see a trail of ants near your windowsill, and head to the store to buy ant baits and traps. We’ve all been there and have had success to varying degrees of success. But does DIY pest control really work? While store-bought products may work to control small pest problems, they are never a solution for larger infestations. Here at Batzner Pest Control, we want our customers to make well-informed decisions when it comes to protecting their homes from pests. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of DIY pest control and professional pest control.

DIY Pest Control: How Effective is It?

For small pest problems, store-bought or DIY methods may work to get rid of them. However, DIY pest control does not work to control bigger infestations or prevent future ones. There are a number of disadvantages of DIY methods. First of all, do-it-yourself methods simply won’t work to control more dangerous pests such as termites, bed bugs, rodents, carpenter ants, and more.

In addition, a lot of store-bought products are laden with chemicals that can be dangerous for your family if applied incorrectly. These products also rarely come with a guarantee or warranty on their effectiveness. Bottom line, it’s always a gamble when it comes to DIY pest control.

Why You Should Hire a Professional Pest Control Company

Let’s face it: no one wants to deal with pests on their own. That’s where a professional exterminator can help! Although professional pest control is a bigger commitment of your time and money, it will pay off tenfold. Some of the benefits of teaming up with a professional exterminator include:

  1. A pest control company has the knowledge and experience to tackle any current infestation you have. Exterminators are experts in the behaviors and habits of pests, making it easier to control any problems quickly and efficiently.
  2. With a focus on IPM practices, exterminators can also work to prevent future problems.
  3. Whenever possible, a professional will use environmentally-responsible products that are always applied safely and effectively.
  4. If you choose to get regular pest control services, your exterminator will work with you to develop a customized pest control program suited to the unique needs of your property.

Choosing Between DIY and Professional Pest Control

As soon as you discover a pest problem, you want them gone as soon as possible. To achieve this, it’s always best to enlist the help of a professional pest control company instead of using DIY methods. At Batzner, our goal is to provide our customers with pest-free living all year round in Wisconsin. To learn more about how we can help, contact our team today!

Can Bed Bugs Live in Cold Weather?

Bed bugs can infest Wisconsin homes in the winter and are known to survive extremely cold temperatures. Batzner Pest Control

If you live in Wisconsin, you’re no stranger to brutal winters. With temperatures well below freezing for several months, you would think that pests and insects can’t survive the cold. Unfortunately, that’s not the case! Bed bugs are known to adapt to extremely unfavorable conditions and are very capable of infesting Wisconsin homes any time of the year. Keep reading to learn about bed bug behavior in the wintertime!

Do Bed Bugs Survive the Winter?

Bed bugs are known to be resilient pests and can survive extreme temperatures. When temperatures drop significantly, bed bugs may enter a state of diapause. In this state, adult bugs can survive without a meal for months.

Long story short, bed bugs are very capable of staying alive year-round. Especially inside heated Wisconsin homes in the winter, bed bugs are adept to infest homes at any time. For this reason, it’s important to learn how to prevent them all year long.

Do Extreme Temperatures Kill Bed Bugs?

Just like humans, bed bugs prefer warmth. Their ideal temperatures are around 70–80 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes you wonder how they are able to live through below freezing temperatures. Some things to know about bed bugs in the winter include:

  • Although extreme temperatures can be used to control bed bugs, they have to be very extreme.
  • If exposed to temps below 0 degrees Fahrenheit for four or more days, bed bugs will likely die.
  • Inside warm heated homes, bed bugs are even more able to reproduce and spread quickly.
  • Bed bugs are known to enter a state of diapause to wait out freezing temperatures in favor for the warmth of springtime.

Bed Bug Infestations in the Winter

Especially with how extreme Wisconsin winters can be, the last thing you expect to discover in the coldest months of the year is a pest infestation! Bed bugs do not have an off-season and are capable of infesting homes at any time of the year. If you think you’ve spotted the signs of bed bugs in your property, it’s time to call in the professionals at Batzner Pest Control.

Winter Pests – Do They Hibernate or Die Off?

Preventing pests in Wisconsin homes during the winter - Batzner Pest Control

Everyone knows that pests are in their prime during the spring and summer, but what happens to pests in the winter? While some insects die off before Wisconsin winters hit, there are a number of pests that will stick around and may make their way into your home to escape the cold. Some common winter pests problems come from rodents, cockroaches, spiders, bed bugs, and raccoons. Keep reading for top tips on preventing winter pests from the experts at Batzner Pest Control.

Pest Infestations in the Winter

A lot of pests will overwinter—or hibernate—during the colder months until the weather warms up again. These overwintering pests include ants, mosquitoes, stink bugs, asian lady beetles, and boxelder bugs. For the most part, these pests won’t be seen until the springtime. However, there are a number of other types of pests that may invade your WI home to escape the cold, including:

  • Rodents: The house mouse and Norway rat will squeeze their way inside in the winter.
  • Spiders: House spiders will hide indoors in dark, secluded corners.
  • Cockroaches: German cockroaches hitchhike indoors in grocery bags and boxes.
  • Bed bugs: Known to withstand extreme temperatures, infestations are still a risk in the winter.

How to Prevent Seasonal Pests

Just as you would to prevent pests throughout the entire year, winter pest control is dependent on preventative measures. Some of the things you can do to prevent winter pests include:

  1. Seal cracks and crevices outside your home to keep rodents and other pests from making their way inside.
  2. Store firewood away from the home and eliminate piles of clutter in your yard to discourage nesting.
  3. Eliminate sources of excess moisture by promptly fixing leaking pipes and clogged drains.
  4. Place screens over vents and chimneys to eliminate entry points inside the property.
  5. Keep a tidy environment indoors by cleaning up spills, disposing of garbage regularly, and avoiding clutter.

Winter Pest Control

Many people make the mistake of thinking they’re safe from pests in the winter. But just like you, pests seek out food sources and warmth in the winter. Rodents, cockroaches, and spiders are common pest infestations in the winter, which is why it’s so important to implement winter pest control into your routine. For help protecting your Wisconsin property this winter, call the pest exterminators at Batzner today!

Identity Crisis: 5 Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs

Learn about bed bug look-alikes in Wisconsin - Batzner Pest Control

If you see a tiny bug inside your home or on your mattress, it’s understandable why you may panic and assume it’s a bed bug. Because bed bugs are so small, they can be difficult to identify, especially when you spot just one or two. There are a number of similarly sized and shaped bugs that are often confused for the dreaded bed bug—and vice-versa. Read on to learn more about these identity-stealing insects.

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Although it often takes a professional’s eye to accurately spot a bed bug, they have multiple distinguishable traits. Even though they appear slightly different in their different stages of life, bed bugs are typically the size of an apple seed and are mahogany or brown in color. After feeding, adult bed bugs will take on more of a red color and may appear engorged. For the most part, bed bugs are often seen clustered together in their hiding spots—seeing them on your mattress or mattress tag is, of course, the most obvious indication of an infestation.

5 Bed Bug Look-Alikes

Bed bugs are tiny, and chances are you aren’t jumping at the chance to get close enough to further investigate. This often leads to a lot of misidentified bugs. The bugs most often confused as bed bugs are:

  • Bat bugs: The most similar insect to the bed bug in appearance, these bugs are found wherever bats live. The only difference in appearance is the fact that bat bugs have longer hairs on their heads.
  • Spider beetles: Found in wooden structures and near food, these beetles have much longer legs than bed bugs and are covered in hair.
  • Booklice: These tiny insects are found in areas with high humidity and closely resemble mosquitoes.
  • Carpet beetles: Typically found in fabrics or on flowers, carpet beetles are black and have orange-red scales, making them more colorful than the bed bug.
  • Fleas: Most often brought inside on animals, fleas have characteristically long legs and are flattened laterally. They are reddish-brown in color and slightly larger than bed bugs.

How to Identify Bed Bugs

If you spot tiny bugs in your home and are unsure what you’re dealing with, it’s always best to call a professional. The team at Batzner has years of experience inspecting Wisconsin homes for bed bugs, and our trained professionals (as well as our canine inspectors) know how to tell a bed bug from any other insect you may see inside your home.