- Last Updated on August 22, 2020
Bed Bug Vs Beetle
Bed Bug vs Carpet Beetle: Differences
In this article you’ll learn how to tell the difference between two pests: bed bugs and carpet beetles. We know can sometimes be difficult to identify the type of pest you have. Luckily, there are a few differences between bed bugs and carpet beetles.
A. Size
Bed bugs grow to approximately 5-7 millimeters in length, while the adult carpet beetle will only reach 3.5. So, if you’ve found a bug of a larger size, it’ll likely be a bed bug. Many people have identified Bed Bugs as the same size of an apple seed. Size is a key indicator to help identify the type of pest you are dealing with.
Not to mention the differences between the bed bug and the larvae of the carpet beetle. As the carpet beetle larvae is the real tenant in your home, it’s important you recognize them.
Fun fact; the larvae of carpet bugs are larger than their adult counterparts. This means the larvae, while still smaller than the average bed bug, can be up to 5 millimeters in length.
B. Color
Bed bugs grow to approximately 5-7 millimeters in length while the adult carpet beetle will only reach 3.5. So, if you’ve found a bug of a larger size, it’ll likely be bed bugs. Many people have identified Bed Bugs as the same size of an apple seed. Size is a key indicator to help identify the type of pest you are dealing with.
Not to mention the differences between the larvae of bed bugs and carpet beetles. As the carpet beetle larvae is the real tenant in your home, it’s important you recognize them.
Fun fact; the larvae of carpet bugs are larger than their adult counterparts. This means the larvae, while still smaller than the average bed bug, can be up to 5 millimeters in length.
C. Location
Bed bugs will typically reside in the seams of mattresses and bed boxes, since they like to be close to their next feed. However, Bed bugs are not unknown to venture into the world of chairs or bag seams.
Carpet beetles, on the other hand, live in rugs and carpets, but are not shy of the odd item of clothing. Also commonly found is the American Spider Beetle which are nocturnal and typically seen at night.
A Brief Introduction into the world of Bed Bugs
Many of you may be well-aware of the annoying world of bed bugs. But, if you’re not, what are you waiting for? Go and check our other informative articles here at Pest Resources. They’ll tell you everything you need to know about these frustrating pests.
Examples articles include: The Bed Bug Life-cycle, How to Check for Bed Bugs and The Top 5 Best Bed Bugs Traps on the Market.
But in a brief introduction we’ll go over the basics of these annoying pests. Bed bugs are a small species of insect in the Cimex population. As an adult, they are recognized to be a reddish-brown color and 5-7 millimeters in length, roughly resembling an apple seed.
Simply put, their distinct bodily color derives from their food source: our blood. They feed upon humans and household pets such as dogs and cats.
Let's bring Carpet Beetles into the debate
Now, we get to carpet beetles. Part of the insect family of Dermestidae and class of Arthropoda, they are a common pest among many US homes. Surprisingly, they are also common within the museum trade due to the nature of the fabrics displayed.
With adults spanning a great length of 3.5 millimeters and a rounded body, they are often confused with other house pests. They sometimes look like bed bugs, fleas, ticks, and cockroach nymphs.
Interestingly, the real infestation and issue of the carpet beetle is from the larvae. Keratins found in natural fibers such as the wool and cotton of carpets provide the perfect sustenance for a growing carpet beetle. Here’s where the importance to recognize differences between adults and larvae comes into play. Adults feed on wildflower pollens rather than keratin-based fibers.
Carpet Beetles vs Bed Bugs: What about the Similarities between the two?
The most significant similarity between the bed bugs vs carpet beetles is their interaction with humans.
While bed bugs need to bite us to grow and live, which will leave a red welt or bed bug bite which sometimes can cause an allergic reaction or infection. Carpet beetles and their larvae that have come into contact with people can also cause a nasty red rash and leave a mark. Some people actually experience a small-scale allergic reaction to the hairs on the carpet beetle larvae’s back, which again will leave a mark.
If you have noticed a bite-like mark, we recommend going to the doctors for treatment.
There’s also a possibility of clovers mites or chiggers which we also have a guide for.
These aren’t to be confused with ticks which look very different and present their own issues.
As the name suggests, carpet beetles like to live in rugs, carpets, and garments made of natural fibers.
Unlike the bed bugs, they don’t live there, but they may venture into the bedroom looking for new raw materials to feast on. For example: an Egyptian cotton bed spread, feather cushions, or silk pillow covers.
One way to make sure this is the case and not a mistaken bed bug identification is there will be irregular holes and threadbare spots in the fabric. These are most commonly found around seams and hems of these fabrics, as they are easy to get to.
If you believe you have found carpet beetles – or, bed bugs – in your bed, one method includes placing susceptible items on a hot-wash laundry cycle and leave them for at least 60 minutes. Then you’ll be ready to begin the process for extermination.
Ronald has 25 years of pest control experience under his belt. He scrutinizes each pest control method, product and process.
