9+ Different Types Of Bed Bugs (With Pictures) Identification Guide
Bed bugs are notorious for biting humans when disturbed or threatened, leaving behind painful and itchy bites and blisters in the morning. While it’s convenient to lump them all together under one name, there are actually at least seven distinct types of bed bugs, each with unique behaviors and characteristics. Knowing which type of bed bug you’re dealing with is crucial for choosing the most effective extermination method.
That’s why it’s essential to understand the different species and their traits. In this post, we’ll delve into the various types of bed bugs and provide valuable insights that will help you tackle these pesky insects.
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are often misidentified as fleas, but these tiny insects have a distinctive habit of inhabiting bed mattresses. They’re oval in shape, extremely small, and lack the ability to fly, belonging to the Cimicidae family. As blood-feeding insects that target warm-blooded mammals – including humans – they can be found anywhere from logs and bags to shoes and clothing.
Due to their minute size, they can effortlessly hitch a ride on various objects, making it challenging to pinpoint whether your bed has been invaded by these unwanted visitors. Furthermore, the symptoms of their bites are often indistinguishable from those caused by other insect stings, further complicating the diagnosis.
Bed bug facts
While bed bugs may be notorious for their blood-sucking habits, there’s more to these insects than meets the eye. One of the most fascinating aspects of bed bugs is their reproductive cycle, where a single female can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime – that’s one egg per day! Given their minute size of just 1mm, it’s no wonder they’re often overlooked.
Bed bugs are incredibly resilient and can thrive in almost any environment, from near-freezing temperatures to scorching hot temperatures of up to 120F. Their ability to resist the scent of blood during the day is remarkable, as they only emerge at night when the carbon dioxide from human exhalation becomes strong. Furthermore, bed bugs have developed a mechanism to withstand the effects of traditional pesticides, making them notoriously difficult to control and eliminate.
Interestingly, bed bugs are quite particular about their food sources – they only feed on live hosts, and their saliva contains mild anesthetics that allow them to feed without being detected. This unique combination of traits has allowed bed bugs to adapt and thrive in a wide range of environments.
Bed bug anatomy
Bed Bug Life Cycle
Bed bug identification guide
While it’s true that bed bugs share certain characteristics with other pesky insects, their identification can be a challenge. To help you make a positive ID, here’s a comprehensive guide to the physical characteristics of bed bugs: The adult bed bug is distinguished by its dark brown or mahogany color when unfed, and a reddish-brown hue when engorged after feeding. Newborn nymphs, on the other hand, are almost transparent with a cream or colorless tone.
In terms of size, adults reach approximately 0.25 inches in length, while nymphs range from 1 to 5 millimeters. Another key feature is the insect’s shape: when unfed, bed bugs are flat and oval, whereas after feeding they become swollen and elongated. Finally, a closer look will reveal six legs and one pair of antennae, providing further evidence of a bed bug infestation.
Types of bed bugs
With the foundation established on understanding bed bugs, let’s delve into the various species that exist. Our focus will be on the primary types of bed bugs, examining their distinct behaviors, habits, and physical characteristics.
Common or household bed bug (Cimex lectularius)
Worldwide Widespread: Common Bed Bugs AboundThe Cimex lectularius, more commonly known as the common bed bug, has spread its presence across the globe. Its introduction to the United States in the 1990s coincided with a migration peak, and today it’s found virtually everywhere in Asia, Europe, and beyond. These tiny insects measure just like an apple seed – around 4-5 millimeters long, and are characterized by their broad, flat shape. One end is oval, while the other tapers to a point.
Their dark brown hue gives way to unique hairiness up close. Like mosquitoes, common bed bugs sustain themselves on blood, which they obtain through cracks and crevices of homes, as well as from unsuspecting hosts.
Tropical bedbug (Cimex hemipterus)
While sharing many characteristics with their common bed bug counterparts, tropical bed bugs possess one distinct difference: they require the warmth of tropical and subtropical environments to survive. This peculiar trait confines them to regions like Africa, Asia, and South America, where they thrive in the balmy climates. Notably, despite being eradicated from the US in the 1940s, a resurgence was recorded in Florida and Georgia as recently as 2016, according to Bed Bugs Insider.
Eastern Bat Bug (Cimex Adjunctus, Leptocimex Boueti)
The original bed bugs’ counterparts, bat bugs are notorious for their peculiar feeding habits. Unlike their human-blood-loving cousins, these insects thrive on the blood of bats, specifically insectivorous ones. Akin to common bed bugs, they possess a flat, oval shape and a distinctive brown-black coloration. Interestingly, they inhabit caves and have developed a unique method of transferring between hosts by latching onto the bats’ wings, ensuring their own survival and propagation.
Swallow Bugs (Oeciacus Vicarius and Hirundinis)
While not part of the same genus as bed bugs, swallow bugs share a common family lineage. Unlike their blood-feeding counterparts, these insects target bird sustenance, specifically swallows. One notable distinction between swallow bugs and bed bugs lies in their physical appearance: longer hairs protrude from their shells, setting them apart.
Interestingly, swallow bugs occupy the nests of their avian prey, often resulting in an unmistakable sign of infestation – premature emergence of hatchlings prior to flight readiness.
Colorado bed bug (Hesperocimex Coloradensis)
Colorado bed bugs primarily inhabit the Western United States, extending as far east as the Midwest. These outdoor pests thrive on a diet of bird, bat, and wild animal blood. Interestingly, recent studies have revealed that their primary source of sustenance has shifted towards pygmy owls. One of the most distinctive characteristics of Colorado bed bugs is their tendency to follow their hosts, often seeking shelter within the roosting sites of bats and certain bird species, such as cacti.
In terms of appearance, they bear a striking resemblance to common bed bugs, with similar coloration, shape, and size.
Mexican chicken bugs or Poultry bugs (Haematosiphon Inodora)
While sharing some physical characteristics with bed bugs, Mexican chicken bugs have a distinct diet that sets them apart. Rather than feasting on human blood, they’ve evolved to target chickens. This subspecies is often found in settings where poultry businesses operate or where chickens reside in general. A fascinating aspect is the discovery that many species of bed bugs, including the common bed bug, are now also feeding on chickens.
As a result, Mexican chicken bugs are managed and eliminated using similar methods to those employed against common bed bugs.
Chimney Swift Bugs (Cimexopsis Nyctalis)
While chimney swift bugs share some superficial similarities with bed bugs – such as shape, size, and color – a closer examination reveals several key differences that set them apart. One of the most notable distinctions is their longer legs, which enable these insects to move about with greater agility than bed bugs. Furthermore, whereas bed bugs are primarily nocturnal, chimney swift bugs are active throughout the day, even during daylight hours.
Another significant difference lies in their habitat preference: while bed bugs tend to congregate on mattresses and other soft surfaces, chimney swift bugs favor vertical surfaces such as walls, eschewing bedding altogether.
Ornithocoris Pallidus and Ornithocoris Toledoi
Another type of bed bug that feeds on bird blood, specifically martins, is found in warmer climates stretching from South America to the Gulf coast. Interestingly, they also prey on chickens, similar to Mexican chicken bugs. The most notable distinction between this species and common bed bugs lies in their lighter brown hue, setting them apart.
Primicimex Cavernis and Bucimex Chilensis
While bed bugs are notorious for infesting human dwellings, there exist other species within the Cimex family that exhibit a striking similarity to their well-known counterparts. These larger bed bug relatives, characterized by spider-like legs, are native to Central and South America, where they primarily feed on bats in caves or cacti holes while the hosts slumber. It’s worth noting that there isn’t an abundance of information available on these lesser-known species.
Nevertheless, here’s a list of notable Cimex family members: The Pacific coast is home to the Bat bug (Cimex antennatus), with its North American counterpart being the rare Cimex brevis. Another distinct species includes the pigeon-specific Cimex columbarius from Europe and Eastern Europe, as well as the Cimex emarginatus found in Southern Europe. In North America, there are two relatively rare species: the Cimex incrassatus and Cimex pilosellus.
Meanwhile, Japan is home to the widespread Cimex japonicus, while Canada and North America host the Pacific coast’s Cimex latipennis. European bat bugs (Cimex pipistrelli) are also worth mentioning, as well as Synxenoderus Comosus, which remains somewhat of an enigma due to its scarcity of information, aside from being endemic in the US.
Bed Bug Prevention Tips
While pests like termites, fleas, and other unwanted critters may require complex strategies for eradication, preventing bed bugs is relatively straightforward. At its core, effective prevention hinges on maintaining good hygiene practices. Although a comprehensive approach involves more than just cleanliness, here are some fundamental tips to help you keep those pesky insects at bay:
#1. Identify if it is really a bed bug
Before taking measures to eliminate them, it’s crucial to verify whether those tiny creatures are indeed bed bugs. To confirm their presence, revisit the initial part of this post for a comprehensive guide on identifying bed bugs. Only then can you develop an effective plan to prevent infestation.
#2. Skip the panic
While it may seem appealing to eradicate all affected areas at once, this approach can actually have unintended consequences. In many cases, simply getting rid of everything in sight can inadvertently spread bed bugs to other fabrics, furnishings, and even people. A more targeted and strategic approach is usually the most effective way to tackle a bed bug infestation.
#3. Identify the right treatment
Before reaching for an insecticide, adopt a holistic approach to pest control. Consider combining tried-and-true home remedies with targeted applications of pesticides, when necessary. When using insecticides, be sure to read labels carefully, consider consulting with professionals, and use these products only as a last resort, rather than a first line of defense.
#4. Declutter
The likelihood of encountering a bed bug infestation is significantly higher when there are numerous hiding spots within your home. To eliminate the risk altogether, it’s essential to declutter and reduce the number of potential breeding grounds. Consider investing in mattress covers or box springs, as these can provide an added layer of protection against unwanted pests. Furthermore, when shopping for new furniture and home decor items, prioritize pieces that are naturally bed bug-resistant.
By taking proactive steps to minimize hiding places, you’ll significantly reduce your chances of encountering a bed bug problem.
#5. Clean beddings
To effectively keep your beddings in a pristine condition, it’s not just about occasional dusting. A more thorough approach involves regular washing, steaming, and dry cleaning to remove dirt, stains, and allergens that can accumulate over time. Moreover, it’s essential to clean or thoroughly wash the laundry hampers as often as you do your bedding to prevent dirt and lint from building up.
Additionally, incorporating regular sweeping and vacuuming into your cleaning routine can also significantly contribute to maintaining a tidy sleeping space.
#6. Freezing up is not always a reliable method
Bed bug control often involves claims about freezing rooms to an unbearable temperature, but it’s essential to understand the limitations of this approach. Rather than attempting to freeze the room for a brief period, it’s crucial to maintain such temperatures for an extended duration. This is because bed bugs are surprisingly resilient and can survive even freezing conditions.
In reality, these pests have evolved to withstand a wide range of environmental temperatures, making them challenging to eliminate through temperature alone.
#7. Prevent them with heat
While heating up can also prove effective in eliminating bed bugs, it’s crucial to maintain a consistent heat level, much like freezing temperatures require sustained cold. However, this method may not be the most practical solution as it’s challenging to sustain such conditions for an extended period at home.
Notably, bed bugs are susceptible to shrinkage and death when exposed to temperatures above 113F, making it essential to ensure the room temperature reaches this threshold for heat treatment to be effective.
#8. Get professional help if necessary
In cases where it appears as though no measures are effective against the infestation, it’s possible that the issue may be more severe than initially thought. At such a point, seeking guidance from professionals is crucial to not only addressing the current problem but also preventing future bed bug invasions.
FAQs
While the preceding sections have provided a comprehensive overview of bed bug species and preventative measures, it’s equally important to address frequently asked questions (FAQs) about these pesky insects. In this section, we’ll delve into common queries and provide insightful answers, offering readers a more nuanced understanding of bed bugs and how to effectively manage them.
What bugs are mistaken for bed bugs?
While bed bugs have their own unique characteristics, several other insects can be mistaken for them. These lookalikes include bat bugs, spider beetles, carpet beetles, fleas, and booklice, which share similarities with bed bugs in terms of size, shape, and color. It’s worth noting that there are other claimed bed bug lookalikes, but these five are the most convincing due to their physical resemblance.
How many types of bed bugs are there?
Although over 90 distinct species of bed bugs exist, it’s reassuring to know that only three types prey on human blood. The most well-known of these is the common bed bug. While this might seem like a silver lining, controlling and preventing infestations can be far more challenging than you’d expect.
What does your mattress look like if you have bed bugs?
When it comes to everyday tasks like cleaning bedding, vacuuming carpets or reorganizing closets and linen drawers, subtle signs can often go unnoticed. However, if you stumble upon red or brown stains on the surface, it may be more than just a minor spill. In fact, these unsightly marks could be evidence of crushed bed bugs that have been hiding under your mattress at night, only to emerge when you move or reposition the bed.
Similarly, dark spots can indicate the presence of bed bug feces, leaving behind an unsettling reminder that these unwanted pests may be lurking in the shadows.
Can bed bugs niche in pillows?
In reality, pillows provide an ideal environment for bed bugs to thrive. One of the most telling signs of their presence is the discovery of red stains and black marks on the pillow. Additionally, tiny, pinpoint-sized bites in the cushion could be a strong indication that these unwanted critters are making themselves at home in your pillow. It’s not uncommon for bed bugs to take up residence in pillows, where they can mate and lay eggs without disturbance.
What are the first signs of bed bugs?
The initial indicators of a bed bug infestation can be subtle yet unmistakable. One of the most common signs is discovering egg shells or fecal marks on your bedding, typically near where you sleep. These signs are often accompanied by small red stains, which may have been mentioned earlier in our conversation. Furthermore, a distinct musty odor emanating from your beddings can be a strong indication that bed bugs have established themselves in your bedroom.
Can you see all types of bed bugs?
Bed bugs in their adult form can be deceivingly small, resembling lice at first glance. To confirm their identity, look for a slightly hairy body. It’s essential to note that only adult bed bugs exhibit this characteristic. The two most common species of bed bugs are the household variety and the Mexican chicken strain.
Do bed bugs bite during the daytime?
While it’s true that common household bed bugs are primarily nocturnal and tend to feed on human blood at night, it’s essential to note that there are other types of bed bugs that exhibit different behaviors. While these non-human-feeding bed bugs may not bite during the day, it’s crucial to remember that their existence doesn’t negate the importance of taking precautions against common household bed bug infestations.
What time of night do bed bugs feed?
Bed bugs are most active during the peak feeding hours, which typically fall between midnight and 5 am. This nocturnal period is crucial for their survival, as they require regular blood meals not only for sustenance but also for reproduction and egg-laying purposes. Interestingly, while bite marks from bed bug bites may become apparent immediately, some may take up to two weeks to develop.
Where do bed bugs hide during the day?
While bed bugs may be difficult to spot with the naked eye, their presence is often felt in the most unexpected places. They have a remarkable ability to squeeze themselves into tiny crevices and holes, hiding in walls, floorboards, and even upholstered furniture. It’s not uncommon for them to hitch a ride on linens or other fabrics, leaving behind subtle signs of their presence that may go unnoticed until it’s too late.
How do you get bed bugs out of hiding?
When it comes to flushing out bed bugs from their hiding spots, a simple yet effective approach is to employ directed heat sources. Take a hair dryer or a portable heater and focus its warmth on the suspected areas. Allow the device to circulate air around the location for an extended period, roughly 3-5 minutes, as you wait patiently for the bed bugs to emerge from their hiding places.
What scent do bed bugs hate?
Studies have uncovered a fascinating fact about bed bugs – they detest the aroma of linalool. Interestingly, this same scent is a fundamental component of many pesticides. But what’s even more remarkable is that linalool can be naturally derived from over 200 types of fruits and plants. This diverse range includes popular options like basil, citrus fruits, cinnamon, and mint.
What can you apply in your skin at night to prevent bed bugs?
As you prepare for a restful night’s sleep, it’s crucial to consider the simple yet effective measures that can deter bed bugs from feeding. While there are numerous options available, here are some unconventional yet practical solutions to apply on your skin at night: For instance, peppermint oil or leaves have natural cooling properties that can help keep you comfortable while also repelling bed bugs.
Another option is to try black walnut tea, which has been known to possess insect-repelling qualities. Alternatively, you could opt for a more traditional approach by using rubbing alcohol or petroleum jelly on your skin. For added protection, consider applying dryer sheets, soap, or baby powder to your skin before bed. These everyday items can provide an extra layer of defense against those pesky bed bugs.
What fabric do bed bugs hate?
When it comes to their preferred habitat, moths don’t discriminate between different types of fabrics. In fact, they can thrive in any fabric type. However, their affinity for certain colors is a different story altogether. While they have no qualms about settling into a variety of textiles, they do exhibit a peculiar sensitivity towards the hue of the fabric.
Specifically, they tend to steer clear of bright and vibrant shades like yellow, green, and white, opting instead for the darker tones of brown and black, which seem to offer them a sense of comfort and security.
Do bed bugs stay in the body?
While vampire bats may leave their human hosts after a brief feeding session, their blood digestion process requires them to stay put for several hours. This practical constraint aside, these nocturnal creatures are renowned travelers, frequently relocating between bedding and furniture. When they’re not in residence, however, they retreat to secluded hiding spots, often waiting patiently for the perfect moment to strike again.
Are women on their period more susceptible to bed bug bites?
The notion that bed bugs are drawn to the scent of blood is a misconception. In reality, these pests are attracted to the unique combination of body heat and carbon dioxide emitted by their hosts. Moreover, they lack the ability to detect menstrual cycles in humans, as some might suggest. Despite their knack for concealment, bed bugs do not possess the capacity to differentiate between a woman’s reproductive state or not.
Do bed bugs disappear immediately after treatment?
Eliminating bed bugs from a home can take a significant amount of time – sometimes weeks or even months – as it requires multiple treatments to ensure complete eradication. In some cases where a more aggressive treatment approach is used, you may see rapid results with the pests disappearing within just a few days.
What is the lifespan of bed bugs?
The life cycle of bed bugs typically spans around 2-4 months, with the creatures capable of surviving without blood for an extended period. Notably, their nymphs can go without sustenance for up to seven months, while adult bed bugs have been known to survive without a blood meal for over a year.
Where do bed bugs lay their eggs?
Unlike other insects often considered a nuisance, bed bugs uniquely lack the ability to jump or fly. This means that their eggs are typically found in secluded areas such as floorboards, walls, crevices, and holes where they can remain hidden from view. Female bed bugs, in particular, have an impressive reproductive capacity. They lay eggs consistently throughout their lifetime, with a remarkable average of 3-5 eggs deposited daily.
Do you need to treat the entire house if you suspect bed bug infestation?
It’s often the case that these pests are confined to a single room or area, such as a bedroom or laundry space. If their presence is most pronounced in one location, it may be sufficient to treat just that room rather than the entire house, assuming the infestation is contained.
Conclusion
While it’s true that bed bugs are tiny, their potential impact on human health should not be underestimated. These pests feed on human blood, which is already a significant concern. The discomfort caused by their bites, combined with the unpleasant musty smell they leave behind and the presence of egg casings, can pose a threat to individuals suffering from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.
However, there is hope for preventing infestations in your home, particularly in the bedroom. Ultimately, good old-fashioned sanitation and thorough cleaning of bedding and surrounding areas remain some of the most effective measures against these unwelcome guests.
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When it comes to tackling bed bug infestations, homeowners often turn to common household solutions for relief. But do these DIY methods actually work? Let’s delve into the efficacy and potential risks of using hydrogen peroxide, baby powder, boric acid, ammonia, washing clothes, and Lysol to kill bed bugs. We’ll separate fact from fiction and provide valuable insights on what works and what doesn’t when it comes to eliminating these pesky pests.
