Bed Bugs vs Carpet Beetles
Bed Bugs vs Carpet Beetles
Bugs can be unpleasant guests to have, and when it comes to all bugs, two of the most meddlesome insects are bed bugs and carpet beetles. While they are often confused because they feed on fabrics and fibers, there is a big difference between the two.
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans or animals while they’re sleeping or resting. They are usually reddish-brown in colour and measure only 5 mm in length. Bedbugs can hide in small cracks and crevices in and around your bed, including:
- mattress
- box spring
- bed frames
- headboards
- cracks in the walls
What are carpet beetles?
Carpet beetles are small beetles that feed on carpets, rugs, and other fabric materials. They are about 3-5 mm in length, oval shaped, and usually dark colored with yellow, orange, or white stripes on their wings.
How do they differ?
The two bugs are very different in a few ways. Bed bugs are only active at night when humans or animals are sleeping and they feed on blood. Carpet beetles, on the other hand, are active during the day and they feed on fabrics and fibres.
Another distinguishing factor lies in the environment in which each thrives. Bed bugs are attracted to areas where humans and animals sleep and can generally be found on mattresses, upholstered furniture, and bed frames. Carpet beetles, on the other hand, can be found in any room of your home and prefer to dwell in areas that have lint and fabric such as carpets, rugs, and clothing.
How to get rid of them?
The best way to get rid of bed bugs is to contact a pest control professional to treat the infestation. As for carpet beetles, the best way to get rid of them is to vacuum regularly and dispose of the vacuum bag immediately after. You should also make sure to wash fabrics and rugs to get rid of any eggs or larvae that may be present.
