Bed Bug Doppelgangers

Bed bugs are everyone’s worst nightmare. Just the thought of possibly having a bed bug infestation can cause people to go into full blown panic mode. However, because we have such a paralyzing fear of them, sometimes we see bed bugs when they’re not actually there. There are a number of insects that look almost identical to bed bugs, and the sight of one of these critters has caused many a person to freak out and start calling exterminators or worse trying their own home remedies that can lead to disastrous problems such as burning your house down or poisoning yourself with toxic chemicals. It’s a good idea to learn about these copycats and how to recognize them, so if you happen to spot one you won’t immediately panic and do something you might later regret.

One bug that is often mistaken for bed bugs is the bat bug. They are similar to bed bugs in appearance and while they prefer animal meals, they will resort to biting humans if an animal host is not nearby. They are small critters, only reaching 3/8ths of an inch, and are also flat and oval shaped. Small cockroaches, especially Asian and brownbanded cockroaches are also often mistaken for bed bugs. When found under beds or in dresser drawers, it can be very easy to think you’ve got bed bugs at first glance. Thankfully, these guys are harmless and don’t bite humans, so there’s no need to panic if you do see one.

Have you ever thought you had bed bugs and it turned out that you actually saw a copycat?