One of the trickiest pests that pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, have to deal with is bed bugs! However, these tiny creatures are also one of the pests that is most commonly misidentified! It is very common for pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, to be called out for a bed bug infestation, only to discover that they are dealing with something entirely different. This is one of the reasons why it is crucial to work with professional pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, who will conduct a comprehensive inspection before initiating any treatment. This helps to ensure that you are getting the most appropriate treatment for the type of pests invading your home, making it more effective!
With this in mind, let's take a look at some of the most common bugs that pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, find when called out to address a bed bug infestation.
Identifying Bed Bugs
Before we discuss the pests that customers often mistake for bed bugs, it seems only right to offer a few tips to help you identify bed bugs correctly. Bed Bugs are incredibly small, measuring just 4 to 7 millimeters in length! They are usually a red-brown color, close to mahogany, and have short, thin antennae. The abdomen is flat and broad with eight horizontal grooves. Of course, you probably don't want to get up close and personal with a bed bug in order to spot these features, so let's talk about some of the other signs that you are dealing with a bed bug infestation! Pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, will all agree that one of the unique hallmarks of a bed bug infestation is the distinctive smell! Most people describe it as an unpleasant, musty scent, which may also resemble raspberries or coriander. You may also notice small dark red spots on your bedding. This suggests that a bed bug may have been crushed while feeding, as its body becomes swollen with blood. Bites are another indication, but it is essential to note that other culprits on our list can also bite, so this is not a confirmation of bed bugs in your home.
Pests That Are Mistaken For Bed Bugs
Now that you have a better idea of how to identify a bed bug, let's talk about the pests that pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, often find when they have been called out to a bed bug infestation.
- Baby Cockroaches - Most people are able to identify a cockroach as they are fairly recognizable. However, you may not recognize cockroach nymphs! These baby cockroaches are often mistaken for bed bugs due to their similar size and appearance.
- Carpet Beetles - These tiny beetles will usually live outside, but can be carried into homes where larvae will feed on carpets and clothing! Like cockroach nymphs, they get mistaken for bed bugs due to their size, but when you look closer, they are pretty different, especially in color and body shape. They are black with a more rounded oval body and a hard shell.
- Spider Beetles - Spider beetles are not actually spiders, despite the name, but rather a small, bulbous-shaped beetle. They share the same reddish brown color as bed bugs, but have a much rounder body.
- Fleas - When pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, are called out to bed bug infestations, one of the most common mistakes is that they are actually dealing with fleas. Fleas usually feed on pets, but they can and will also bite human hosts, which is where the confusion comes from.
- Bat Bugs -You could be forgiven for mistaking bat bugs for bed bugs since they are actually close relatives! However, bat bugs primarily feed on the blood of bats rather than humans, and they are most often found in areas where bats are likely to nest, such as attic spaces and chimneys. You would be unlikely to find them around your bed.
- Book Lice - The small size of book lice often means they are confused with bed bugs, but they are more elongated and are yellow to tan in color rather than reddish brown. These pests do not bite, and will feed on starchy materials, especially book bindings, which is how they get their name.
- Ticks - There are a fair number of similarities between ticks and bed bugs, such as their color, shape, and diet of blood. However, ticks are arachnids, so they have eight legs as opposed to the six seen on bed bugs.
In conclusion, while bed bugs are a serious nuisance that pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, deal with regularly, they are far from the only culprits when it comes to mysterious bites and creepy-crawly sightings in your home. From baby cockroaches and fleas to carpet beetles and bat bugs, many pests can easily be mistaken for bed bugs—especially to the untrained eye. That's why working with an experienced pest control professional is so important. Proper identification is the first—and most crucial—step in effectively eliminating the problem. If you suspect bed bugs or any other pests, don't guess. Call in a trusted pest control company in Knoxville, TN, for a thorough inspection and expert advice.
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Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee!
Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.
112 Hayfield Road 
