Carpet Beetles Vs. Bed Bugs: What Has Caused Those Little Red Bumps?
Image
If you're seeing little red bumps on your skin, you might be wondering if it's a rash or something caused by insects. Two common culprits are carpet beetles and bed bugs. While both can cause skin irritation, they are very different pests. Here’s how to tell them apart.
What Do Carpet Beetles and Bed Bugs Look Like?
- Carpet beetles are tiny (1/16 to 1/8 inch long), oval-shaped, and covered in white and yellow-brown scales with small tufts of hair near the back of their abdomen.
- Bed bugs are larger, about ¼ inch long, reddish-brown, and shaped like an apple seed.
Where Do You Find Carpet Beetles vs. Bed Bugs?
- Bed bugs are found near beds, furniture, and personal belongings where they can easily access sleeping humans.
- Carpet beetles prefer wall voids, attics, crawl spaces, and areas with dead insects or natural fibers. They can also live outdoors, feeding on nectar and pollen.
Do Carpet Beetles or Bed Bugs Bite?
- Bed bugs bite and feed on blood, often leaving itchy red bumps where they inject saliva to help them feed.
- Carpet beetles don’t bite, but their tiny hair bristles can cause a skin reaction that looks like red bumps.
Do Carpet Beetles or Bed Bugs Damage Your Home?
- Bed bugs don’t damage belongings—they only bite and cause skin irritation.
- Carpet beetles damage fabrics, feeding on wool, silk, fur, feathers, and carpets, leaving behind holes.
How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles and Bed Bugs
If you're dealing with carpet beetles or bed bugs, professional pest control can help eliminate the problem. Carpet beetle control focuses on removing their food sources and preventing infestations, while bed bug treatments target and eliminate bed bugs effectively.
If you're unsure which pest is in your home, contact Witt Pest Management today for expert pest control services in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas!