Nobody wants to share their home with pests, but figuring out which pest you’re dealing with is often half the battle.
This guide aims to help you tell the difference between carpet beetles and bed bugs. While both can be unwelcome guests in your home, knowing the difference is key to getting rid of them effectively. We’ll dive into how they behave, what they eat, and, most importantly, how to treat them.
Why is accurate identification so important? Because what works for carpet beetles won’t necessarily work for bed bugs, and vice versa. Knowing your enemy is the first step to winning the war.
Identifying Carpet Beetles
It’s important to know what you’re dealing with before you start trying to get rid of it. Here’s what to know about identifying carpet beetles.
Appearance and Characteristics
Carpet beetles are oval-shaped and can be black, brown, white, or orange. They’re on the small side, although their size can vary depending on the species. Unlike bed bugs, carpet beetles can fly.
Carpet beetle larvae look like fuzzy little caterpillars and are often brown with bristles all over.
Some of the most common types of carpet beetles include the varied carpet beetle, the black carpet beetle, and the furniture carpet beetle.
Diet and Habits
Carpet beetles aren’t picky eaters, but they do have their preferences. They like to munch on organic matter like wool, fabric, and other natural materials. They’re also drawn to keratin, a protein found in hair, feathers, and skin.
You’ll often find carpet beetles near their favorite food sources, such as carpets, clothing, and upholstery. They like to hang out in dark, quiet places where they won’t be disturbed.
Identifying Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are no one’s favorite houseguest. Here’s what you need to know about these unwelcome visitors.
Appearance and Characteristics
Adult bed bugs are small, oval-shaped, and reddish-brown or tan. They’re about the size of an apple seed. If they’ve recently fed, they’ll be engorged with blood and have a reddish color.
Bed bug nymphs are smaller, but they look like smaller versions of adult bed bugs. Bed bug larvae are tiny, about the size of a fleck of pepper.
Bed bug eggs are pearly white and about the size of the tip of a needle.
Diet and Habits
Bed bugs feed on blood, and they prefer human blood to any other kind. They’re nocturnal feeders, so they come out at night.
During the day, bed bugs hide in the cracks and crevices of mattresses, bed frames, and furniture. They’re attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide, which is what brings them out of hiding when you’re asleep.
Carpet Beetle vs. Bed Bug: Key Differences
While both can be unwelcome guests, carpet beetles and bed bugs are quite different. Here’s a breakdown:
- Appearance: Carpet beetles are oval-shaped and come in a variety of colors. Their larvae are fuzzy. Bed bugs are also oval-shaped, but they’re reddish-brown. Bed bug nymphs look like smaller versions of the adults.
- Diet: Carpet beetles munch on organic materials like fabrics, carpets, and dead insects. Bed bugs, on the other hand, feed exclusively on blood.
- Behavior: Carpet beetles can fly, which helps them spread. Bed bugs are flightless. Bed bugs are also nocturnal feeders, while carpet beetles aren’t strictly active at night.
- “Bites”: Carpet beetles don’t actually bite. However, the hairs on their larvae can cause allergic reactions that look like bites. Bed bugs do bite, leaving noticeable marks on your skin.
Signs of Infestation
How do you know if you’ve got carpet beetles, bed bugs, or both?
Signs of Carpet Beetle Infestation
If you’ve got carpet beetles, you might see:
- Damage to textiles, especially those made of wool, silk, or other natural fibers
- Shed larval skins
- Dead beetles
You’ll typically find carpet beetles in carpets, rugs, clothing, upholstery, and other textiles.
Signs of Bed Bug Infestation
If bed bugs have moved in, you might notice:
- Bite marks on your skin, often in clusters
- Blood stains on your sheets and mattresses
- Dark spots (fecal matter) on bedding and furniture
- Egg casings
- A musty odor
Bed bugs tend to congregate in mattresses, bed frames, headboards, and nearby furniture.
Treatment and Control
Getting rid of carpet beetles is different than getting rid of bed bugs.
Carpet Beetle Control
You can often control carpet beetles by vacuuming and cleaning regularly, storing vulnerable items in airtight containers, and using insecticides that are specifically labeled for carpet beetles.
Bed Bug Treatment Options
Getting rid of bed bugs is often a job for a professional pest control company. Treatment options include steam, vacuuming, pesticides, heat, and off-site fumigation. You can also wash and dry infested bedding and clothing in a hot dryer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can carpet beetles be on your bed?
Yes, carpet beetles can certainly find their way onto your bed! While they don’t typically feed on humans like bed bugs, they are attracted to natural fibers, including those found in bedding, mattresses, and even your clothes. So, finding them on your bed isn’t uncommon.
Do people mistake carpet beetles for bed bugs?
Absolutely. Carpet beetles and bed bugs are often mistaken for each other, especially by the untrained eye. This is because both are small and can be found in similar areas of the home. It’s essential to know the difference to properly address the infestation, though!
Why am I suddenly seeing carpet beetles?
A sudden appearance of carpet beetles often indicates an increase in their food source, such as natural fibers or dead insects. It could also be due to the time of year, as they are more active during warmer months. Check for potential infestations in carpets, upholstery, and closets.
How do I know if I have carpet beetles or bed bugs?
Knowing the difference is key! Carpet beetles are small, oval-shaped, and often multicolored, while bed bugs are reddish-brown, oval, and flat. Bed bugs leave bites, while carpet beetles themselves don’t bite, but their larvae can cause skin irritation. Also, look for shed skins and fecal matter; bed bug droppings are black stains, while carpet beetle larvae shed bristly skins.
Summary
When you’re dealing with unwanted pests, it’s important to know exactly what you’re up against. Correctly identifying the pest is the first step in getting rid of it.
If you’re not sure whether you’re dealing with carpet beetles or bed bugs, it’s best to contact a professional pest control service. Pest control specialists can accurately identify the pest, assess how widespread the infestation is, and recommend the most effective treatment plan for your situation.
Don’t wait! If you suspect you have an infestation of any kind, call a pest control specialist right away.