As you’re getting ready to drift off to sleep, you notice a few small, black bugs scuttling across your sheets. You have no idea what these pests are or where they came from.
It’s alarming (and disgusting) to think about having bugs in your bed, so you’re determined to get to the bottom of it.
These bugs could be a variety of pests, such as spider beetles, ticks, bat bugs, fleas, and the most common – bed bugs.
Bat bugs and spider beetles are often mistaken for bed bugs because they look similar. However, unlike bed bugs which feed on human blood, these other insects feed on dead skin cells or other organic matter such as food crumbs or pet hair.
While it’s tempting to head over to the nearest store and buy a bug spray, properly identifying what these black bugs are will give you a better chance of finding the right solution that works.
Although some of these bugs look similar, the treatment for each one could be vastly different.
Different Types of Tiny Black Bugs Found in Beds
These tiny black bugs crawling around your bed could be one of several pests.
Identifying which one it is will help you determine the best way to get rid of them and prevent them from coming back.
Spider Beetles
Spider beetles are small, round-bodied insects belonging to the family Anobiidae. They get their name from their appearance, which resembles that of a spider. Spider beetles range in size from 2 to 5 mm and have six legs and two long antennae.
Most species of spider beetle are flightless, with either females or both sexes unable to fly. They vary in color from light brown to black, and some species have patterned bodies with stripes or spots.
Spider beetles feed on a variety of materials including grains, cereals, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds.
They can also feed on animal products such as wool, fur, and feathers. Commonly, they can also be found in mattresses because they feed on the organic matter found in them.
Ticks
Ticks are small, parasitic arachnids that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are commonly found in beds and mattresses due to their ability to cling to fabrics and hide in tight spaces.
Unfortunately, they can be a nuisance as they can cause skin irritation or transmit diseases such as Lyme disease.
Ticks are most active during spring, summer, and fall when temperatures are warmer. During these times of the year, ticks can be found in areas with tall grasses or trees that provide cover and shade.
They may also be found in wooded areas or near bodies of water where animals such as deer, mice, raccoons, squirrels, and other wildlife may frequent.
When it comes to beds and mattresses, ticks can easily make their way into these spaces by attaching themselves to clothing or bedding materials like sheets and blankets.
Once inside the bed or mattress, they will look for a warm place to hide until they find a host to feed on.
Ticks may also enter the home through open windows or doors where they can attach themselves to pets or people who come into contact with them.
Bat Bugs
These oval-shaped insects belong to the Cimicidae family. They feed primarily on the blood of bats, but can also feed on humans if their host is unavailable.
Bat bugs are typically found in warm, dark places like attics or wall voids where their host is most likely to be found.
Bat bugs are usually brown or black in color and range from 3 to 5 mm. They have long, thin antennae that can reach up to twice their body length.
It’s important to note that bat bugs look very similar to bed bugs, but there are a few key differences between the two. Bat bugs have long hairs on their bodies and lack the characteristic red spots that bed bugs have.
The presence of bat bugs may also indicate the presence of bats in the home.
If you find bat bugs in your bed, it’s important to contact an exterminator as soon as possible to get rid of these pests and their hosts.
Bed Bugs
Finally – something that we’re all familiar with, and scared of – bed bugs.
These reddish-brown insects, usually appearing black from afar have oval-shaped bodies and are only about 5mm in size.
Their diet mainly consists of blood meals – from humans and animals, and they generally prefer to feed on humans at night being nocturnal creatures.
While their bites normally don’t cause serious medical problems, they can still cause considerable discomfort and itching, as well as psychological distress due to the stigma associated with their presence.
Economic losses are also a reality of bed bug infestations – the cost of hiring professional exterminators, the additional cost of buying a replacement mattress, and potential property damage due to the insects’ presence are all costs that can add up quickly.
How to Identify Which Black Bug is Found in Your Bed?
It’s in the middle of the night and you’re startled awake by a small, black bug crawling across your sheets. You know there could be one of three possibilities – beetles, ticks, or bed bugs – but which is it?
Knowing which kind of bug it is can help you identify the most effective way to get rid of it, so don’t panic just yet.
Here are some steps that you can take to properly identify black bugs in your bed:
Inspect the Bug Closely
When you have the chance, take a look at the shape, size, and color of the bug carefully. From there you can make an educated guess, at least, as to what type of bug you’re dealing with.
Remember, the treatment you’ll perform, including the products to use significantly differs from the different kinds of bugs. That’s why it is crucial to identify the bug accurately first.
Look for Characteristic Cues
Beetles, ticks, and bed bugs have characteristic cues that will help you determine what kind of pest you’re dealing with.
Beetles usually have hard outer shells while ticks have a soft exoskeleton and bed bugs have red spots on their backs.
Ticks may also leave a small cluster of bites around the area where they fed, indicating that you may have a tick infestation.
Check the Environment Around You
Take a look around your room. Are there any animals that may be providing these bugs with a food source? If so, they could be fleas or ticks.
Check for signs of bat activity – their droppings and guano – as this could indicate the presence of bat bugs.
For bed bugs, you may want to see if there are any discarded exoskeletons or small brown spots on the bedsheets which could be their fecal matter.
When you have all this information, it will give you more of an idea as to what kind of bug has invaded your space and how to get rid of it safely and effectively.
Do Some Research
If you have an idea of what kind of black bug is found in your bed, but you’re not sure enough to take measures, it’s a good idea to do some further research.
If you can, take some photos to use as your reference and find out if the bug is safe or not.
Again, if you’re not confident about the kind of bug you’re dealing with, you always have the option to let a professional pest control company deal with it.
Their years of expertise in the field and the appropriate tools they have on hand will certainly ensure that your pest problem will be addressed safely and effectively.
Check for Bug Bites
One of the primary reasons why people have black bugs in their beds is bug bites.
If the bug has bitten you, try to look for signs of an allergic reaction or any kind of skin irritation that could be a result of the bite.
You can also check around your body if there are other bumps or rashes which could indicate the presence of another type of insect infestation.
Although these bugs may physically be similar, their bites are not. It’s essential to know the difference between each type of bug bite, as some may require medical attention while others can be treated at home.
Final Thoughts
After a few sleepless nights spent tossing and turning, the furor of fear surrounding the unexpected appearance of black bugs in your bed can be daunting.
Common black bugs found in your bed may include but are not limited to beetles, ticks, and bed bugs.
By closely inspecting the bug, looking for characteristic cues, researching the bug, and checking for bug bites, you can identify the type of black bug that has invaded your space and take appropriate action to get rid of it.
