Bat Bugs

There are several options for confirming samples as being bat bugs rather than bed bugs, they are:

• Checking an entomological key and examination with a 30X loupe to confirm
• Sending the sample to an accredited entomologist for confirmation
• High resolution image scan or macro photography of the sample (often most accessible through “clip on lenses” for smartphones)

In the case of scanned images we would recommend that you upload them to the Bedbugger Forum for a specialist to give an opinion. Other options include a university extension entomology department or Bed Bugs Limited postal ID service.

The key reasons why it is important not to make the assumption that just because it looks like a bed bug, it must be a bedbug, are:

• The treatment methods and patterns are different – normal bed bug treatment will not solve a bat bug issue because the activity is not focused on beds where it needs to focus on the original harbourage and how they enter the property.
• The true source of the issue must be treated first – this often means exclusion of the primary host species and ensuring it remains excluded.
• Incorrect initial treatment steps will delay the time it takes to fully resolve the issue.

Correct confirmation from the start can reduce the time it takes to resolve the problem down to a single visit whereas stories of people being repeatedly treated for bed bugs that are later confirmed as bat bugs are unfortunately very common.

There are some secondary indications that the issue may be bat bugs rather than bedbugs, these include:

• Lack of faecal trace signs around the bed and resting areas
• Lack of cast skins around the bed and resting areas
• Activity appearing to be seasonal (i.e. only present when the primary host is not)
• Faecal traces found around windows or light fittings which are confirmed using the Bed Bug Blue™ confirmation kit
• Samples are often found at the wall ceiling junction

Collecting and confirming based on a live adult sample will always be the most accurate way to proceed. This is best done in a smooth sided clean glass or, if no other option is available, through the use of a clear adhesive tape.

When bat bugs are encountered (which is rare in the UK and more common in the US) the key differences: are

• The primary food source must be excluded from the start of treatment
• The focus of the treatment is from the primary colony site back towards the secondary or ingress points
• Thermal treatments are generally not effective but a whole building tented fumigation may be effective
• The use of CO2 lures such as the Bed Bug Beacon™ may assist in reducing the ingressing population by “trapping out” hungry samples

As such the skills required are better suited to “wildlife management pest controllers” than urban pest controllers.

The following companies have approached us and provided documentation to support their inclusion on this list. Although we have reviewed their documentation and information, we have not been able to review their specific jobs and work quality although one is often an indication of the other.

UK

• Bed Bugs Limited

USA

• Current list being compiled

If you would like to be included on this list please use our contact form to contact the document author

The following resources have been linked specifically as primary information sources of note:

identification key to confirm bat bugs or bed bugs.