Key characteristics that distinguish bat bugs from bed bugs

Dr. Chris Keefer, technical services manager at Syngenta Professional Pest Management

Syngenta

Bed bugs and bat bugs often are misidentified during treatment, so it’s important to understand their differences to determine the necessary treatment protocols. If treating for bed bugs, follow normal bed bug management practices. However, if you identify bat bugs, follow a similar treatment protocol that also includes bat removal and exclusion.

Common bed bugs and both the eastern and western bat bug species all belong to the same genus, Cimex. Key characteristics that distinguish them include the following:

Bed bugs

• Deeply concaved pronotum.
• Hairs shorter than the width of the eyes.
• Slightly larger in length and width.
• Found near beds or other furniture.

Bat bugs

• Slightly concaved pronotum.
• Hairs longer than the width of the eyes.
• Smaller in length and width.
• Sparse in population.
• Prefer to feed on bats, but feed on humans if the preferred host isn’t present.