Dealing with Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs?

Finding a small, reddish-brown insect in your bed is enough to send anyone into a panic—but not all bugs that look like bed bugs are those tiny bed mates. Bed bugs are notorious for their bites, elusive nature, and the mental and emotional stress they cause. However, several other insects look strikingly similar and may even be found in the same environments. Before jumping to conclusions (or tossing out your mattress), it’s important to know what bugs are commonly mistaken for bed bugs—and how to tell them apart.

7 Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs

Mistaking another insect for a bed bug can lead to unnecessary stress and even costly pest control measures. On the other hand, if you ignore a true bed bug infestation because you think they’re just bugs that look like bed bugs, it will create a much bigger problem. Knowing what you’re dealing with is the first step toward effective treatment and peace of mind.

Bat Bugs

Bat bugs are the bugs that are confused for bed bugs most often. At around 4–5 mm they’re almost identical in size as well as shape and color. Both insects are reddish-brown, oval-shaped, and wingless.

Key Difference:

The primary difference is microscopic: bat bugs have longer fringe hairs on the upper thorax compared to bed bugs. Without a microscope, you might not see this detail, but our Kapture Pest Control professionals will know the difference.

Where They’re Found:

While bat bugs are bugs that look like bed bugs, they don’t live like them. They typically live in attics, chimneys, or walls—anywhere bats may roost. If bats have been in your home, bat bugs may wander into living areas after the bats leave.

Carpet Beetles

Adult carpet beetles are also bugs that look like bed bugs. They are about the same size as bed bugs and can be brownish or mottled in color. With the naked eye, their rounded, dome-like shape can cause them to be mistaken for bed bugs.

Key Difference:

Carpet beetles have wings and a hard shell, and their bodies are more like ladybugs in structure. They can also fly, unlike bed bugs.

Where They’re Found:

These bed bug imposters are attracted to natural fibers, not blood–and are often found near windows, carpets, or fabric materials—especially wool, leather, or felt.

Booklice

Booklice are small, pale insects that may appear translucent or grayish. While they’re much smaller than adult bed bugs, they can be confused with bed bug nymphs (young bed bugs), especially when seen crawling on a wall or mattress.

Key Difference:

Booklice are soft-bodied and thinner than bed bugs. They also have long antennae and a more elongated shape, but because they’re so tiny the differences are minimal which means these bugs that look like bed bugs get a bad rap.

Where They’re Found:

Booklice thrive in humid environments and are often found in areas with mold, like around leaky pipes, damp books, or wallpaper. They feed on mold and fungi—not blood.

Cockroach Nymphs

Depending on the species, young cockroaches (nymphs) are bugs that look like bed bugs sometimes due to their size and brown color. Some species are oval-shaped in early stages and may appear in bedrooms or near food sources.

Key Difference:

Cockroach nymphs are more elongated and move very quickly compared to bed bugs. They also have visible antennae and a less uniform body shape.

Where They’re Found:

Cockroaches like to frequent kitchens, bathrooms, and behind appliances. They’re attracted to food and moisture—not people.

Spider Beetles

Spider beetles are small, shiny, and reddish-brown or black. Their round bodies make these bugs resemble bed bugs from a distance.

Key Difference:

They have a humped, beetle-like appearance and long, spider-like legs. Some even resemble tiny spiders, hence the name.

Where They’re Found:

Often hiding in pantries, attics, or areas with old wood or birds’ nests, they like to feed on stored food and organic debris.

Fleas

These pet-nemeses are dark, reddish-brown, and teeny-tiny—about the size of a bed bug nymph. Fleas are bugs that look like bed bugs and are often mistaken for them, especially when you wake with bites on your skin.

Key Difference:

Fleas are narrow-bodied and have strong back legs for jumping. Unlike bed bugs, which crawl, fleas can leap several inches so if they suddenly disappear just to reappear in another spot, you know you‘re dealing with fleas.

Where They’re Found:

Because of their jumping ability, fleas can be found almost anywhere. Especially pet bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture. They prefer animal blood because their fur creates an optimal living space, but will also bite humans.

TIP: Flea bites tend to cluster around the ankles and legs, while bed bug bites are often found on the upper body or arms and usually appear in a line or zigzag pattern.

Ticks

Ticks look like bed bugs–A LOT. Especially when they’re engorged after feeding. Both are tiny oval insects who are reddish-brown and wingless.

Key Difference:

Ticks have eight legs, and they aren’t actually bugs–they’re ARACHNIDS (yes–like spiders!)–while bed bugs have six legs. Ticks are also flatter when unfed and become balloon-like after feeding.

Where They’re Found:

If you head outdoors into grassy or wooded areas, do a good full body search for ticks when you return home. If they end up inside, it’s often after latching onto pets or people and going unnoticed. Once attached, a tick may feed on your blood for several hours to days. If the tick is infected with Lyme Disease, it can transmit the bacteria after being attached for 36 to 48 hours or more. That’s why early detection and removal of ticks is so important.

How To ID Bed Bugs

If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with bed bugs or one of the many bugs that look like bed bugs, here are some quick ways to spot true bed bugs:

• Color: Reddish-brown, turning darker after feeding.
• Size: Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed (4–5 mm).
• Shape: Flat and oval when unfed, swollen and elongated after feeding.
• Habits: Hide in mattress seams, cracks, and baseboards. Active mostly at night.
• Bites: Usually appear in lines or clusters, often on arms, back, or neck.

Don’t Be Fooled by Bugs that Look Like Bed Bugs

If you’ve found bugs that look like bed bugs but aren’t sure what they are, resist the urge to immediately throw everything out. Instead:

1. Take a Clear Photo: A close-up image can help with online ID tools or our Kapture team.
2. Save a Sample: Place the insect in a sealed plastic bag or container for inspection.
3. Call Kapture Pest Control: Our pest control experts can correctly identify the insect and recommend the right treatment plan.

While bed bugs are certainly a cause for concern, many other bugs that look like bed bugs share similar traits and can easily be misidentified. From carpet beetles and bat bugs to spider beetles and fleas, it’s essential to know what you’re looking at before deciding how to handle it.

Do your homework, get a second opinion, and if you’re ever in doubt, call Kapture. A little clarity goes a long way—especially when it comes to protecting your home (and your sanity) from creepy crawlies.