Insects That Look Like Bed Bugs

Some insects, such as bat and barn swallow bugs, share the physical appearance of common bed bugs. They all belong to the family Cimicidae. The physical differences such as the length of hairs on the thorax often are subtle and require magnification. All of these bugs have short, wide heads like those of the bed bug. Their bodies are broad and flat, enabling them to crawl into narrow crevices.

All of them feed on blood, but the preferred source varies depending on species. For example, bat bugs prefer to feed solely upon bats. Furthermore, while bed bugs infest crevices, furniture and bedding within human homes, bat bugs inhabit the abandoned nests of bats, birds and other small mammals.

The poultry bug, also known as the Mexican chicken bug, also resembles the bed bug. Poultry bugs live on poultry farms and, unlike bed bugs, are parasites of birds and domestic fowl, such as turkeys, eagles and hawks. Bed bugs feed primarily upon human blood, although they may choose to feed on other warm-blooded animals as well.

Barn swallow bugs also appear similar to bed bugs. While both insects are approximately the same in color and size, barn swallow bugs are covered in long, silky hair. Barn swallow bugs inhabit the nests of cliff swallows and may inhabit human dwellings when birds migrate. Swallow bugs breed freely in summer and are capable of surviving without food for long periods of time by remaining semidormant.

Bed Bug Control

How to identify Bed Bugs?

Learn what Bed Bugs look like, and how to detect if you have a Bed Bug Infestation.

How do you get Bed Bugs?

Find out how Bed Bugs infiltrate your home and where they are attracted to.

How serious are Bed Bugs?

Learn about Bed Bug bites. their feces and how they can impact your health.

What Orkin does

Learn how Orkin handles Bed Bugs, homeopathic cures and the cost of Bed Bug extermination services.