Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Detection / Identification of bed bugs
ID PLEASE!! Killed this bug. What is it??? [a: probably black carpet beetle]
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manhattanmom
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Joined: Nov '11
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Posted 11 months ago
Fri May 25 2012 10:43:45
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Good morning,
While happening to glance at the floor beneath my sofa just now, I saw this bug crawling. I sprayed it with rubbing alcohol and killed it. I used tweezers to keep it intact and put it in a ziploc.
Is it a bedbug? If not, any ideas what it is? My son has had a few bites lately. About one every 3 to 7 days for the past 3 weeks. But they were all single bites and they did not itch or seem to bother him at all.
Thanks. Praying we are not going down this road again.
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edtt
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Posted 11 months ago
Fri May 25 2012 13:22:47
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I can't identify it for you. Sorry
Wondering tho if you can get a clearer pic?
Do you have a macro setting?
Good luck -
oldtimer
Joined: Nov '11
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Posted 11 months ago
Fri May 25 2012 14:45:50
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What you have here seems to be a beetle and NOT a bed bug.
We know this because the elytra, wings, can be seen protruding from under the shell like fore wings at the posterior end of the body.
With a better photo we may be able to tell you what beetle you have provided the photos can show the top (dorsal) view and the bottom (ventral) view.
Hope this helps ! paul b.
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loubugs
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Posted 11 months ago
Fri May 25 2012 16:29:32
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Since it looks like the beetle is under tape, it's best if you can cut the tape and peel it back to expose the beetle.
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manhattanmom
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Posted 11 months ago
Fri May 25 2012 21:17:43
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Thanks so much for your feedback! I really appreciate it. Knowing it is a beetle and not a bedbug makes me feel so much better. Do beetles bite? I am just wondering if this could be responsible for the bites my son has gotten during the past few weeks.
Here are some close up pictures. The beetle is in a ziploc bag so that is what you are seeing over it.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/76481006@N06/7270763576 -
oldtimer
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Posted 11 months ago
Fri May 25 2012 22:28:09
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I'm watching the Rangers - Devils game so i'm too lazy to get off my chair and check one of my books.
However, it looks like it could be a black carpet beetle.
Lou, what do you think???
pb
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manhattanmom
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Posted 11 months ago
Sat May 26 2012 7:02:48
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Thanks, Paul. I hope you were rooting for the Devils. Otherwise I'm sorry for the loss. It looked like the Rangers were going to make some magic happen.
Anyway, re carpet beetles, could this be causing my son's bites? Should we have a PCO come inspect? We only have 3 rugs and the rest of the apt is all hardwood floors. Will steaming the rugs get rid of them or could they be in furniture as well? Thanks again for your advice!!
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oldtimer
Joined: Nov '11
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Posted 11 months ago
Sat May 26 2012 7:15:37
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Sometimes the hairs, or setae, on the larvae of these type beetles (i.e. black carpet beetles, furniture beetles, varied carpet beetles & other such critters) can cause bite like reactions. This is so because when magnified these hairs are shaped like spears. They may get into open pores and be an irritant to some people.
Once again, bite reactions absent of other physical evidence does not necessarily mean you have a bed bug problem !
Hope this helps ! paul b.
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manhattanmom
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Posted 11 months ago
Sat May 26 2012 10:49:42
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Thanks, Paul.
I have seen no evidence of bed bugs. Just these random single bites that my son received over the past few weeks. I am still hypervigilant when it comes to checking for signs. Like another poster on here recently, however, some others who come over are not as careful and it drives me nuts. So when I found this actual live bug yesterday, I was really worried. You don't know how much I appreciate your feedback and Lou's for giving me peace of mind.
Thank you again!
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loubugs
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Posted 11 months ago
Sat May 26 2012 16:41:22
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Based on the newer images, I'd go along with black carpet beetle, too.
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manhattanmom
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Posted 11 months ago
Sun May 27 2012 7:32:42
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Thanks, Lou! You, Paul and the other experts on here do people like me a great service.
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oldtimer
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Posted 11 months ago
Sun May 27 2012 8:49:57
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You're very welcome !
While I can't speak 100% for the others, from my conversations with them it's clear to me that they enjoy the opportunity to be of help to all.
Have a great, bug free day ! paul b.
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Fed-up over being Fed-on
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Posted 11 months ago
Mon May 28 2012 21:56:40
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I can not tell you what it IS but it IS NOT a bed bug- Lucky you
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