Because Laying Poison Is Only Half The Battle!
The equally little, flat, and diverse carpet beetle is one of the insects that people most frequently mistake for bed bugs. They are very common in homes, and people continually ask if they have found the first signs of a bed bug infestation when they see a carpet beetle. So, how do we solve the riddle: carpet beetle vs bed bug?
What is a Bed Bug?
A bed bug is a small, flat insect that is very tiny and hard to see, and their main source of food is human blood. They are also known to be very good hitchhikers, stowing away on personal belongings, luggage, and laptop bags to spread between rooms, houses, hotels, and even airlines and trains.
Bed bugs prefer to feed at night ,so they get their name from their tendency to breed and live in mattresses and in and around beds. However, these tiny parasites can also hide in sofas, carpets, and other areas near their food source.
Bed bugs are brownish-red in colour and about the size of an apple seed. They will leave behind shed skins, fecal matter, and blood spots when an infestation occurs. Bed bugs leave red bite marks on your arms, neck, or body as they feed.
The Origin of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs typically infiltrate homes by building homes in furniture, luggage, purses, clothes, or other fabric items. Once inside, they reproduce rapidly and can spread to other rooms or even different units within the same building. They are commonly found in bedrooms where they have easy access to their blood meals.
Signs Of Bed Bugs
Signs of bed bugs include small red bite marks on the skin, blood stains on sheets, dark fecal spots on mattresses, shed skins, and a musty odor. You may also spot live bed bugs hiding in mattress seams, furniture cracks, or carpets, especially near sleeping areas.
What is a Carpet Beetle?
Carpet beetles are small, oval-shaped insects. They can cause severe damage to carpets, bedding, and upholstered furniture. They are particularly destructive in museums, warehouses, or other places where their food sources are stored.
The Origin of Carpet Beetles
Like bed bugs, carpet beetles can enter the home through infested furniture or an open door or window. Adults are attracted to fabric and animal products such as furs or rugs, where they lay their eggs. If left unchecked, they can quickly infest your home.
Signs of Carpet Beetles
Carpet beetles are an annoying pest and they will eat your fabrics. This can be costly, but they are not a risk to your health. It is difficult to see signs of carpet beetles because they tend to feed in dark, undisturbed places, such as underneath furniture. You are much more likely to see the adult beetles. Carpet beetles will get inside through any opening or space in the exterior of a property and lay their eggs near a food source.
Identifying carpet beetles before they hatch and start to breed and infest a property is very hard. If you are seeing a lot of carpet beetles, you can call on a pest professional to help control the varied carpet beetles and stop them from returning.
At The CCS Pest Control, we understand the importance of maintaining a pest-free environment. So our bed bug treatment is specifically designed to get rid of every sort of pest annoyance, be it bed bug or carpet beetle.
Distinguishing Bed Bug vs Carpet Beetle Larvae
When it comes to bed bug vs carpet beetle larvae, it’s easy to identify the differences. While both carpet beetle larvae vs bed bugs are small insects that can infest your home, their diets set them apart. Bed bugs feed on human blood, while carpet beetles consume plants and other fibrous materials.
Carpet beetle can fly and have a shell that resembles a ladybug, protecting their wings. Bed bugs, on the other hand, cannot fly and rely on hitching rides on other objects to infiltrate your home.
Adult carpet beetles are attracted to light and can be found near window sills and lighting fixtures. Larvae, on the other hand, prefer dark areas. However, bedbugs, be they adult or larvae, stay in dark places.
Preventive Measures Against Bed Bugs and Carpet Beetles
Prevention is the best strategy against both bed bugs vs carpet beetles. Regular inspection of your bed and furniture, washing all clothing after vacations, avoiding clutter, vacuuming regularly, and checking your pet’s beds can help prevent a bed bug infestation.
For carpet beetles, prevention includes regular vacuuming, using natural deterrents like peppermint, clove, and vinegar, applying boric acid, steam cleaning, and setting glue traps.
Professional Pest Control Solutions
If you find your pest problem spiralling out of control, it’s time to call in the professional pest control London. At CCS Pest Control, we have the expertise and experience to tackle both bed bugs and carpet beetles, ensuring they don’t return to your home. Don’t let pests take over your home; contact us today for a safe home.
FAQs
- Are there beetles that look like bed bugs?
Yes, some beetles could be mistaken for bed bugs. Carpet beetles are small, oval-shaped insects that can resemble bed bugs in color and size, but they have different features, such as a more rounded body and distinct markings. Other beetles, like drugstore beetles or furniture beetles, may also be confused with bed bugs due to their similar size and shape. However, bed bugs are typically flatter and have a reddish-brown hue, while beetles tend to have a harder shell.
- What bug could be mistaken for bed bugs?
Several insects could be mistaken for bed bugs, including:
- Carpet beetles
- Bat bugs
- Swallow bugs
- Booklice
- Why am I getting beetles in my bedroom?
There could be several reasons why you’re getting beetles in your bedroom:
- Food sources
- Lack of cleanliness
- Entry points
- Existing infestations
