How to Tell If You Have Bed Bugs or Carpet Beetles
Both are about the size of an apple seed and have a similar body shape. So how do you tell apart a bed bug and a carpet beetle? The easiest way is to look at the larvae of each species: Bed bug larvae look like little worms, while carpet beetle larvae look like miniature fuzzy caterpillars. These pests also have a few habits that set them apart from each other:
- Carpet beetles devour fabrics like carpet, wool, and other natural materials.
- Bed bugs breed and live in mattresses or in and around beds.
- Bed bugs feed on blood and leave red, itchy bites on people.
Bed Bugs vs. Carpet Beetles
Appearance-wise, it’s easy to see why bed bugs and carpet beetles are so readily confused for one another. They are both oval-shaped and tiny in size, but their similarities end there! Carpet beetles vary in color, have short antennae, and are typically smaller than bed bugs.
Bed bugs are reddish-brown in color, flat, and the size and shape of an apple seed. You can also see their eyes up close, while it’s hard to see eyes on carpet beetles. The biggest difference is in each specimen’s larvae: Bed bug larvae look like longer, thinner worms while carpet beetle larvae look like tiny fuzzy caterpillars.
Need an Estimate? Request a Callback
Do Carpet Beetles Bite?
The good news is that carpet beetles do not bite. Bed bugs are infamous for their bites, which happen at night and can leave a victim with red, itchy marks. This is because bed bugs feed on blood. Although carpet beetles do not bite, they have been known to cause bumpy itchy rashes from the fibers on larvae. These symptoms are often confused with each other. If you experience serious symptoms of any sort, it’s important to visit your doctor to address any concerns.
Do I Have Bed Bugs or Carpet Beetles in Santa Fe NM?
No matter if it’s a carpet beetle or bed bug, no one wants to deal with tiny pests in their home. Bed bugs are much more feared than carpet beetles because they pose more of a threat to your household. If you are having difficulty identifying which pest you are dealing with, it’s recommended to enlist the help of a professional bed bug exterminator.