Bat Bugs Vs. Bed Bugs: Regarding pesky insects, two of the most notorious are bat bugs and bed bugs. While both species feed on human blood and can cause discomfort, specific vital differences can help determine which one lives in your home. As their name suggests, bat bugs primarily live near bats and other warm-blooded animals. They look very similar to bed bugs but have long hairs on their bodies. Bat bug bites tend to be more painful than those from bed bugs because they inject saliva containing an anticoagulant when they bite humans. Additionally, these pests may leave dark spots of dried excrement or small streaks of blood on furniture and walls after feeding.
What Are Bat Bugs Vs.? Bed Bugs?
When it comes to understanding the difference between bat bugs and bed bugs, homeowners need to know that each type has distinct characteristics. Bat and bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on human blood. Though they often look similar in appearance, some differences between the two species can help determine which one you may have in your home. You may be interested in this post also: Can Bed Bugs Live In Curtains?
Bat bugs have longer antennae than bed bugs, and their wings are slightly larger. The thorax of a bat bug has a few more hairs or spines than the thorax of a bed bug. Bed bugs are lighter in color than bat bugs, ranging from golden brown to dark brown, depending on their age and how recently they have been fed.
Differences Between Bat Bugs And Bed Bugs
- Size
- Way of Moving
- Food
- Habitat
- Cleaning your house
- Repellents
- Size
When it comes to pests, many people are familiar with bed bugs. But another bug is often mistaken for bed bugs – bat bugs. At the same time, both insects can cause an infestation in our homes.
Bat and bed bugs have similar appearances and are often mistaken for one another. The most distinguishing feature between the two is their size. Bat bugs are slightly more minor than bedbugs, measuring about 3 to 4 millimeters long, compared to bedbugs which measure around 5 millimeters in length. Additionally, bat bug bodies tend to be more oval-shaped than the angular shape of a bed bug’s body.
Despite their different sizes and shapes, both insect pests can create a lot of trouble if they enter your home or business premises uninvited.
- Way of Moving
When it comes to the differences between bat bugs and bed bugs, the most notable is the way they move. Understanding how each bug moves can help individuals identify them to take steps towards extermination. Both bugs have similar shapes and coloring, but their movements help distinguish them from one another.
Bat bugs are known for moving quickly over a wide area when disturbed, while bed bugs do not move as rapidly or cover as much ground. This difference in speed is due to their different lifestyles; bat bugs feed on bats and need to flee when disturbed by humans or animals, while bedbugs typically hide in beds, furniture, or clothing and only scuttle away slowly when they feel threatened. Additionally, bat bugs tend to fly if confronted with potential danger. Bedbugs rarely attempt flight since they do not have wings like other flying insects such as mosquitoes or moths.
- Food
Food is essential in determining the difference between bat bugs and bed bugs. Both creatures have similar physical characteristics, making it difficult to distinguish them from one another. However, some key distinctions can help identify which bug you are dealing with.
Bat bugs and bed bugs both require a blood meal for survival. While bed bugs usually feed on human blood, bat bugs prefer the blood of bats or other warm-blooded animals such as birds or mice. Also, bat bugs tend to remain close to their host, while bedbugs often venture out searching for food sources. It means that they may travel further distances than their counterpart when feeding.
Finally, it is essential to note that, unlike bedbugs, bedbugs do not typically live inside residences but rather thrive outdoors in areas near bats, such as attics or barns.
- Habitat
Habitat is often the difference between bat bugs and bed bugs. While these two pests have similar appearances, their living environments are vastly different. Bat bugs, scientifically known as Cimex adjuncts, live in the attics of houses or other structures where bats roost because they feed off the blood of bats. On the other hand, bed bugs live in mattresses and furniture that humans occupy due to their affinity for human blood.
Bat bug infestations are relatively rare since they need a constant supply of food from bats which can only be found indoors during exceptional circumstances. However, bat populations remain high in an attic space or structure for extended periods. In that case, occupants may experience an influx of bat bugs due to their ability to fly short distances compared to bed bugs, who cannot fly at all.
- Cleaning your house
Cleaning your house is the first step in ridding your home of bugs and pests. But, with so many different types of insects out there, it can be challenging to know which bug you’re dealing with. Two common household pests are bat bugs and bed bugs, but do you know the difference between them? Knowing what sets these two bugs apart is critical to effectively cleaning your house from them.
Bat bugs are parasites that look similar to bedbugs but feed on bats instead of humans. They have a brownish coloration, oval shape, and flattened bodies like bedbugs. However, bat bugs are more significant than most bedbugs, and their antennae tend to be longer. They’re also nocturnal creatures and prefer living in dark areas such as attics or wall voids near where bats live.
- Repellents
Understanding the difference between bats and bed bugs is essential, especially when using repellents. Bat bugs are similar in appearance to bedbugs but feed on bats instead of humans. Bedbugs, on the other hand, typically live in mattresses and furniture and feed on human blood. Repellents can effectively keep both insects away from your home; however, it is essential to know which bug you are dealing with before deciding which repellent is best for your situation.