How to Tell if You Have Bed Bugs or Carpet Beetles

Bed bugs and carpet beetles have different behaviors:

• Bed bugs live and spread in mattresses or in and around beds.
• Carpet beetles feed on fabrics like carpet, wool, and other natural materials.
• Bed bugs need blood meals and leave red, itchy bites on hosts.

Carpet Beetles vs. Bed Bugs

Many people confuse bed bugs for carpet beetles and vise versa. Although they are both small and oval-shaped, their similarities end there. Carpet beetles vary in color, have short antennae, and are typically smaller than bed bugs. In addition, they often have multiple colors on their bodies.

Bed bugs, on the other hand, are reddish-brown in color, flat, and the size and shape of an apple seed. You can also see their eyes up close, which is nearly impossible on a carpet beetle. The biggest difference between the two is the appearance of their larvae: Bed bug larvae look like longer, thinner worms while carpet beetle larvae appear fuzzy.

Do Carpet Beetles Bite?

Carpet beetles do not bite like bed bugs. Bed bugs are infamous for their bites, which often occur overnight as they feed on blood. In the larvae stage, carpet beetle fibers can sometimes irritate the skin and leave red marks or bumps. In any case, it’s essential to seek medical attention from a professional if any symptoms become serious.

Telling Carpet Beetles and Bed Bugs Apart in Illinois and Indiana

Carpet beetles and bed bugs may be confused for one another, but it’s essential to learn the differences. One is way more dangerous than the other and bed bugs always require a professional to get rid of them.. To tell if you have carpet beetles or bed bugs, contact your local pest control company.