When you find tiny bugs hiding in your home, it’s easy to assume the worst—bed bugs. But here in Des Moines and across Central Iowa, there’s another culprit that often gets mistaken for them: bat bugs!

While bat bugs and bed bugs look similar at first glance, treating them requires two very different approaches. That’s why it’s crucial to bring in experienced pest professionals like Janssen Pest Solutions to correctly identify and solve the problem, and do it right the first time.

Here’s what you need to know:

Appearance: Tiny Differences That Matter

Both bat bugs and bed bugs belong to the same family, called Cimicidae, and are small, flat, and oval-shaped insects. However, there are subtle differences:

  • Size: Bat bugs are slightly smaller, typically around 2–5 mm long, while bed bugs can grow up to 6 mm.
  • Color: Bat bugs are usually brown or beige, while bed bugs tend to be a deeper reddish-brown.
  • Hairs: Under a microscope, bat bugs can be identified by the longer hairs on the upper part of their thorax, a key feature that separates them from bed bugs.

Without professional equipment (and a trained eye), these differences are almost impossible to spot, which is another reason professional identification is essential.

Habitat and Behavior: Where You’ll Find Them

Bat Bugs:

  • Typically found near bats, like in attics, wall voids, chimneys, or other areas where bats roost.
  • They usually stay close to bat colonies but may wander into living spaces if bats leave or are removed.

Bed Bugs:

  • Found where humans live and sleep, like beds, couches, furniture, and baseboards.
  • They prefer to stay close to their human hosts, as they like to feed while people sleep.

Key Point:

 If you have bats (or had them recently), you might have bat bugs, not bed bugs.

Feeding Habits: Who They Bite

  • Bat bugs prefer feeding on bats, but will bite humans if their bat hosts are no longer available.
  • Bed bugs are all about feeding on humans: no bats required.

Treatment: Why You Need to Know Which Bug You’re Dealing With

This is where things get critical:

  • Bat bug infestations must start with eliminating bats from your home. This process involves sealing entry points and treating the structure for any lingering bugs.
  • Bed bug infestations require direct pest control treatments that target areas where they hide, including beds, furniture, carpets, and walls.

If you mistake bat bugs for bed bugs (or vice versa) and treat incorrectly, the infestation won’t go away, and could even get worse. At Janssen Pest Solutions, we are trained to correctly identify the pest you’re dealing with and create a custom plan to eliminate it completely.

Central Iowa: A Hotspot for Both

Because of our rich mix of suburban, urban, and rural areas, Des Moines and Central Iowa are prime territory for both bed bugs and bat bugs. Bats are common in older homes, barns, and attics, and with them come bat bugs. Meanwhile, bed bugs can travel easily through hotels, apartment complexes, and homes.

No matter which pest is causing problems, the experts at Janssen Pest Solutions are ready to help you reclaim your home.

Think You Might Have a Problem?

Call Janssen Pest Solutions today. We’ll inspect, identify, and create a targeted solution to give you back peace of mind.

Don’t guess! Contact us and get the right pest solution with Janssen.