Learn About The Different Types Of Bed Bugs

Think you may have bed bugs and want to learn more about them? Learn all about the different types of bed bugs, how to identify them and how to keep them out of your home with the professionals at Pest Control Experts.

What Are The Different Types Of Bed Bugs?

There are about 90 different species of bed bugs, but only three are known to feed on humans. There are several different kinds of bugs that resemble bed bugs but are not. It may not matter to you which bug is using you for a snack when you’re covered in bites and having trouble sleeping, but it matters to pest control professionals who will come take care of your bug bite problem.

The type of bed bug that might be living in your home depends largely on where your home is located. The scientific name for the common household bed bug is Cimex lectularius. The bed bug can be found around the world, but only certain species of bed bug are found in North America. Cimex refers to the larger genus of insects in the family Cimicidae and it is other parasitic insects in this family that are often confused for the bed bug.

The Three Main Types Of Bed Bugs

There are two types of bed bugs that feed mainly on humans: C. lectularius and C. hemipterus. These two species of cimex will get blood meals from birds, rats, dogs and other mammals if no humans are present. C. lectularius can be found anywhere in the world where humans live. C. hemipterus is known as the tropical bed bug and primarily resides in tropical climates, but can also be found in more temperate climates as well. The third species, L. boueti, is only found in West Africa and South America and feeds mostly from bats but will feed on humans if they seem like an easier meal.

What Are Other Bugs That Resemble Bed Bugs?

Bat bugs and bird bugs are often confused for bed bugs. Bat bugs (C. adjunctus) can be found in tropical regions and feed on bats. Like the L. boueti, bat bugs will feed on human hosts if there is no other option. The Mexican chicken bug (Haematosiphon inodora) also lives in North America and closely resembles the common bed bug. 

Other bugs that may be misidentified as bed bugs include: lice, ticks, mites, carpet beetles, fleas, cockroach nymphs and booklice. 

How Can I Tell These Bed Bugs Apart?

It is actually quite difficult to tell most of these bugs apart. In order to tell the difference between C. lectularius and C. hemipterus, you need either a microscope or a lot of experience as a pest controller. 

Both species look the same and have similar looking infestations and bites. The physical differences are slight and unnoticeable to the untrained eye. 

When it comes to bugs in your home, it doesn’t matter what type of bug is biting! Call the best in pest control to make sure your bug problems are dealt with completely and effectively.

Call Pest Control Experts today to get a free quote and to schedule your home pest inspection as soon as possible!