Tiny brown bugs in bed – Everything you need to know!

Have you seen tiny brown bugs in the bed and you are wondering what they are? While they could be other types of bugs, chances are that they could be bedbugs as well.

The tiny brown bugs in beds are usually bedbugs and they have a round or oval shape without wings.

But there’s lots too this question that you need to know. After reading this article you’ll know how to identify tiny brown bugs in your bed and bedroom….

What Happens if You Squish a Bedbug?

Once you see a bedbug moving across, the first thing that you would definitely want to do is to squish them. This is because no one wants a live bedbug next to them. And you can squish them with your hand or any other object.

If the bedbug has recently fed on blood, then they will burst and then leave behind a bloodstain. The best thing about fed bedbugs is that they are usually soft and bulky and this makes them easy to squash. Additionally, the nymphs i.e. the young bedbugs are also easier to squish.

However, if the bedbug isn’t fed, then you will have a tough time trying to squish them. Their bodies are almost flat and there’s literally nothing inside to press on. If you are lucky to squish them, then you will leave some stain.

However, squishing is the worst way of eliminating a bedbug. This is because the killed bug will leave many more offspring behind that will still continue to breed. If you can, use a spray that will kill them while their bodies are still intact.

Other Bug Species That Can Be Mistaken for Bedbugs

Sometimes the tiny brown bugs in bed may not necessarily be bedbugs. There are several other species of bugs that could easily pass for these pests. They include:

Are Lice mistaken for bedbugs?

if you notice that you are now frequently experiencing more scratching and itching, it could be that you have been bitten by lice.

While so many people are familiar with head lice, body and pubic lice can also cause bites all over the body. It’s very easy to confuse lice and bedbugs because they almost have similar effects and appearance.

However, lice are usually smaller in size compared to bedbugs. Their backs also have a red section that’s surrounded by a brownish color.

Are Mites mistaken for bedbugs?

They mainly occur as a result of rodent infestation. While they tend to affect animals mostly, mites also infect human beings once their host animals have been eradicated. Even though these bugs don’t physically resemble bedbugs, their activities might confuse them. For instance:

Mites normally produce small bites that resemble that of bed bugs even though their bites are more painful.

They normally tend to burrow under the skin

Their bites are usually raised bumps

Are Ticks Mistaken for Bed bugs?

Even though they are available in a wide range of colors and sizes, one thing is clear about all ticks, they have round-shaped bodies. Most of them are usually brown or red and that’s why it’s very easy to confuse them with bedbugs.

Bites caused by ticks are not only irritating for the skin but they also lead to the spread of infectious diseases. However, you need to understand that there is a big difference between how ticks and bedbugs act.

• Ticks will burrow into your skin when they are biting you.
• You need to physically remove them
• Ticks tend to burrow in areas with creases such as the armpits or the region around the waistline.

What about Fleas?

Their reddish-brown color may easily confuse and make you think that they are. Fleas are also very common and maybe that’s why people don’t find it strange to think that they are other bugs. They also produce itchy and irritating bites, just like bedbugs.

However, their sizes are quite different. Fleas measure 1/8-inch in terms of size. Additionally, their body shape is quite distinct. It’s usually laterally flattened and segmented. In case you suspect that you have flea bites, it’s usually important to seek clinical attention. This is because fleas are vectors for a broad range of diseases.

Are Cockroach Nymphs mistaken for bedbugs?

Lastly, cockroach nymphs are some of the insects that are commonly mistaken for bedbugs. Their reddish-brown color is what sometimes confuses people even though they normally tend to appear white in color after hatching.

However, there is a significant difference between bedbugs and cockroach nymphs. For instance, the nymphs don’t normally bite human beings. They are also more likely to live in cracks and crevices, unlike bedbugs that live in areas around the bed.

Note: if you notice cockroach nymphs, you should find a way of quickly exterminating them before they turn into roaches.

How Can You Effectively Identify Bedbugs?

The possibility of confusing bedbugs with other bugs is quite high, especially if you aren’t aware of bedbugs’ behavior and appearance. Knowing the features to look out for will make the identification process easier for you and consequentially lead you to find the right method of elimination.

Can you identify Bedbugs by Color?

An adult unfed bedbug will have a rusty brown or mahogany color. On the other hand, fed adult bedbugs usually have a red-brown color after feeding on a blood meal. If the bugs are still nymphs, then they will have an almost colorless appearance. However, they will soon start to become brownish as they mature.

Can you identify The Shape of bedbugs?

An adult unfed bedbug will have a flat and broad-like oval shape. If it’s fed, then, it will have a swollen shape that’s more elongated.

The Size of Bedbugs

These pests can reach up to ¼-inch long. Meanwhile, the nymphs are usually smaller and could measure between 1.3mm to 5 mm.

Signs of Bedbug Infestation

Do you want to know if your house has been infested by bedbugs? Well, there are several telltale signs that can help you determine this:

Is a Skin Irritation a sign of a bed bug infestation?

This is usually one of the first signs. Are you from sleeping and you’ve woken up with annoying skin irritation? Well, this could be because your bed is infested by these bugs. The itchy sensation usually comes after experiencing several bites.

Are Red Bumps a sign of a bed bug infestation?

Apart from skin irritation, you might also wake up with red painful bumps. This is another possible sign of infestation, especially if you didn’t go to sleep with any type of welts.

The red bumps occur after the bedbugs infest you’re your skin or body with pathogens while they are sucking out blood. You are more likely to find these bites on the upper parts of the body such as the neck region, hands, chest, and back. Besides that, the bites usually occur in clusters.

Is an Adverse Skin Reactions a sign of a bed bug infestation?

If you haven’t eaten something that could possibly trigger an allergic reaction but you have an adverse skin reaction, then there are high chances that probably your home is infested with bedbugs.

We all have different types of metabolism and this means that we react to similar things differently. If you have sensitive skin, you may end up with a serious skin reaction. It should be noted that there are also certain instances where these pests can result in serious allergic reactions. It could be in the form of blisters or even hives.

Are Bloodstains a sign of a bed bug infestation?

Bedbugs definitely feed on human bugs. But once these pests are fully fed, they don’t normally do a great job when it comes to cleaning up after themselves. That’s why you might notice some little bloodstains on your blankets, sheets, and pillowcases.

Are Brown spots a sign of a bed bug infestation?

While this could also be a sign of another bug infestation, bedbugs also tend to leave brown spots, especially on your mattresses, clothing, bedsheets, and even walls. This is usually as a result of the exoskeletons eliminated by the bugs undergoing different developmental processes. Besides that, the brown spots could be a result of bedbug feces.

Is a A Musty Smell a sign of a bed bug infestation?

For an insect that’s attracted to CO2 and feeds on blood, definitely expect to experience a musty smell. This is also one of the first common symptoms that could indicate that your house is infested with these pests.

Well, the unsettling smell is usually emitted from the glands which are found within their bodies. It’s normally used for communication but to human beings, this musty smell is distinct and quite irritating to the respiratory glands.

Note: for most people, this smell is usually a mix of an old locker room scent in addition to coriander.

What about Dead Bedbugs?!

You are more likely to find them after they have completed their lifecycle. If you are cleaning or changing your beddings and come across dead bedbugs, then this could be another strong signal of a possible bug infestation.

The Presence of Adult Bugs

This is an obvious sign that anyone who thinks their home is infested should try and look out for. The presence of adult bugs is the most obvious way of telling if there is an infestation.

The Lifecycle of Bedbugs

Female bedbugs can lay between 1 to 5 eggs daily. In its lifetime, it could lay an average of 540 eggs. You are more likely to find the eggs in rough spaces or cracks.

The nymphs usually take around 21 days to reach adulthood. In this period, they would have undergone five different stages of development. And do you know what will facilitate their rapid development? More blood meal.

The Feeding Habits of Bedbugs

We all know that these bugs love to feast on human blood. But there is something unique about their feeding habits. Bedbugs are usually attractive to the CO2 that’s emitted by their hosts. That’s why they love to feed at night on the bare human skin that’s exposed while they are sleeping.

However, this doesn’t eliminate the fact that they can still feed on human beings during the day. There are still some opportunistic bedbugs that will suck the blood out of the human body even during the day, especially if you happen to sit or sleep in a heavily infested area.

And how do these bugs engorge with blood? Well, they require between 5 to 10 minutes. When it comes to feeding, they usually insert two hollow feeding tubes that appear like beaks into the skin of their host.

Note that the first tube is used to inject its saliva into the skin. The saliva usually contains an anesthetic that’s used to numb the feeding area. On the other hand, the second tube is used to draw blood from the body.

Right after they have finished feeding, these bugs will move into a secluded place. They can stay here for many days, sometimes up to 10 days. While they are in seclusion, these pests don’t feed since they are satisfied. Instead, they will be digesting their meal, mating, and laying more eggs.

Note: even though bedbugs love to feed on human beings, they also feed on other warm-blooded hosts.

Why Do Bedbugs Love Staying Around Beds?

First, these pests love to hide in rough surfaces and cracks during the day. They only come out during the night to feed on the host’s blood. The bed is the perfect place for them to hide during the day since most human beings don’t sleep during the day.

Secondly, these pests love to feed at night. The only time that a human being is likely to have their skin exposed and unaware of their surroundings is at night when they are sleeping. So, this gives them the perfect opportunity to feast on the host as much as they want.

Are There Mattresses That Can Attract Bedbugs

Bedbugs are naturally attracted to carbon dioxide. So, if a mattress is made with a fabric that contains such a scent, then it will definitely attract bedbugs. That’s why it’s very common to find them in fabrics used to not only make mattresses but also seams, clothes, upholstered furniture, and box springs among others.

In addition to that, you have to be careful with the color of the mattress you are choosing. Multiple research studies indicate that bedbugs are more likely to prefer certain colors, particularly red and black.

Do Memory Foam and Coil Spring Mattresses Attract Bedbugs?

It all depends if they are made with a fabric that contains the CO2 scent or if they have a red or black color. Naturally, bedbugs will try to always live as close to their host as possible. You can find them on mattresses, but not inside the encasement.

They would rather live in the bed frame, headboard, and box-spring, or any area near the bed that will give them quick access to their food source. Instead of living inside the mattress encasement, you will find them under the sheets or even in between the seams and tufts.

Did you know that bedbugs don’t like staying in dirty beddings? Yes, they are not attracted to soiled or generally dirty beddings. If that is the case, then these bugs would rather find a new place for accommodation. They would even move into a brand new home that’s clean.

Understand that there is no type of mattress that can fully play the role of “attracting” bedbugs. It should also be noted that there is no any type of mattress that’s 100% effective in hindering bedbug infestation.

This is because these pests usually try to find a place to reside where they can be close to their hosts as close as possible. However, consumer reviews that there are certain types of mattresses that are generally good in at least reducing the chances of infestation.

Latex and memory foam mattresses can do a good job in ensuring that bedbugs are effectively kept out of the center of your sleeping space. But the bedbugs will still find a way to crawl into the adjacent framework of your bed or even the box spring. If you have a heavy-duty mattress plus a box-spring cover, this will still not stop the bedbugs from crawling outside your bedroom area.

We’ve written another article about small brown bugs that you might find interesting, check it out and learn how to identify them:

Small, Tiny Brown Bugs in My House – What Are They?

How Can You Prevent Bedbug Infestation?

Well, the presence of these tiny brown bugs in bed should be a solid indicator that something is probably wrong. While it’s important to find a way to eliminate them, you need to protect your home to avoid future infestations.

Some of the most effective prevention techniques that you can apply to include:

• Declutter your home, especially the bedroom area and the furniture. Ensure that your home is spacious enough to eliminate the possible hiding spaces.
• Clean your bed, bedding, and furniture frequently. It’s important that you frequently vacuum clean your home in order to effectively remove possible hitchhikers.
• Ensure that you use protective mattress covers as well as box springs in order to effectively minimize the presence of hiding spaces. When choosing your mattress or bedding, avoid choosing products that are made with black or red fabric. This is because these colors are known to play a role in attracting bedbugs.
• If you are buying secondhand furniture, then ensure that you clean them thoroughly before bringing them inside your house.
• If you are using shared laundry facilities, be vigilant. Don’t forget to always store clothes, beddings, and even bags you have used while traveling in a different basket.
• Always familiarize yourself with bedbugs as well as other types of bugs to ensure that you can detect them soon and eliminate them effectively.

If you want to learn more about various insects, then checkout our site categories, we have a bunch of articles there that are totally worth reading:

Ladybugs

Termites

Roaches

Spider

P.S.

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All the best

Steve