FAQ: Is this a bed bug? (photos of creatures mistaken for bed bugs)
By nobugsonme on Jul 4, 2008 in bed bugs, booklice, photos, psocids, spider beetle, spider beetles
There are several creatures commonly mistaken for bed bugs by people who have not seen bed bugs or haven’t seen different life stages of bed bugs.
Booklice (a type of psocid) are often confused for bed bug nymphs:
Photo courtesy of LieutenantDan.
An anonymous Bedbugger helpfully recommended this military fact sheet (click for a PDF) on book lice with helpful identification tips (hint: booklice have a large protuberance on the front of their heads).
Spider Beetles are often confused for adult bed bugs:
Photo courtesy of Lou Sorkin.
The presence of these creatures may mean you do not have bed bugs. In some cases, it may also mean you have bed bugs and something else, and just have not seen the bed bugs yet.
To determine if you also have bed bugs, click here to see photos of bed bugs and signs of bed bugs.
Got other imposters to add? Click below to leave a comment and link to a photo of the culprit!
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Cody | Jul 4, 2008 | Reply
To quote someone else on the forum, “bless their hearts, they don’t drink blood.”
teal | Jul 5, 2008 | Reply
these are not bed bugs this looks like Morgellons disease which is known to be contagious and is currently being investigated by infectious diseases. The reason someone would have it from one place to another is because it is them who have it in the skin. They believe it to be a parasite/worm mutated from pesticides. Try epson salt baths and then 3-6-9- oil on the skin. See if black gritty stuff comes out, then you’ll know for sure. Use diaper rash cream 40% zinc oxide.
nobugsonme | Jul 6, 2008 | Reply
teal,
You need to read the post you are commenting on. This is NOT Morgellon’s.
Those are photos of a booklouse (psocid) and a spider beetle. We are absolutely sure about this.
nobugsonme | Jul 7, 2008 | Reply
Also see:
Psocoptera:
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/81379419
nobugsonme | Jul 14, 2008 | Reply
Added booklice fact sheet, helpful for identification. Just look at the schnozes on these guys!