What Are Bat Bugs?
Bat bugs are one of the most misunderstood and stressful problems homeowners encounter after discovering bats. Many people first notice itchy bites, small insects near beds or couches, or what looks like a bed bug infestation, only to later learn bats were present in the home.
This article explains what bat bugs are, where they come from, how they are different from other household pests, and why bat activity is almost always the root cause. The goal is to help homeowners understand the situation clearly and avoid wasted time, money, and frustration.
What Exactly Are Bat Bugs?
Bat bugs are small parasitic insects that primarily feed on bats. They are closely related to bed bugs and look nearly identical to the untrained eye. In fact, even professionals often require magnification to tell them apart.
Bat bugs typically live in areas where bats roost, such as attics, wall cavities, chimneys, and soffits. As long as bats are present, bat bugs usually stay hidden near the roost and feed on bats while they sleep.
How Bat Bugs Enter a Home
Bat bugs do not randomly appear. They almost always enter a home because bats are or were present.
Common scenarios include:
A long term bat roost in the attic or walls
Bats being excluded without addressing existing bat bugs
A bat colony leaving or being removed, forcing bugs to search for new food sources
When bats are no longer accessible, bat bugs may migrate downward into living spaces in search of a blood meal.
What Do Bat Bugs Look Like?
Bat bugs are:
Reddish brown in color
Oval shaped and flat when unfed
About the size of an apple seed
The primary physical difference between bat bugs and bed bugs is the length of tiny hairs on the bug’s thorax. Bat bugs have longer fringe hairs, but this difference is not visible without magnification.
Because of this, misidentification is extremely common.
Do Bat Bugs Bite Humans?
Yes, bat bugs can bite humans, but humans are not their preferred host.
Bat bugs feed on bats by nature. When bats are unavailable, they may bite people out of necessity. These bites often occur at night and may resemble bed bug bites, causing redness, itching, or irritation.
However, bat bugs typically do not reproduce successfully on human blood alone. This is an important distinction when determining long term treatment.
Common Signs of a Bat Bug Problem
Homeowners often notice bat bugs after:
Before or After Bat exclusion work has been completed
Bats suddenly leave an attic or wall cavity
Increased insect activity near beds, couches, or walls
Other signs include:
Bugs crawling on walls or ceilings, dropping from vents, or crawling from under trim
Bites that continue despite traditional bed bug treatments
Bugs appearing near attic access points
Why Bat Bugs Are Often Misdiagnosed
Because bat bugs look nearly identical to bed bugs, many infestations are incorrectly treated as bed bugs. This leads to:
Repeated pesticide treatments that do not work
Continued bites and frustration
Failure to address the real source of the problem
If bats are present or were recently present, bat bugs should always be considered.
Why Removing Bats Is Critical
Bat bugs cannot be permanently eliminated without addressing the bat problem first. Treating living spaces alone while bats remain in the structure will almost always fail.
The correct sequence is:
Identify and remove bats through proper exclusion
Prevent reentry by sealing the structure
Address bat bugs once the food source is gone
Skipping the first step often results in ongoing problems.
Are Bat Bugs Dangerous?
Bat bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans. However, their bites can cause:
Skin irritation
Secondary infections from scratching
Anxiety and sleep disruption
The psychological stress caused by ongoing bites and uncertainty is often the biggest impact for homeowners.
What To Do If You Suspect Bat Bugs
If you believe bat bugs may be present:
Avoid moving furniture or bedding unnecessarily
Do not assume bed bugs without proper identification
Check attics or upper levels for signs of bats or guano
Contact a professional experienced with bats and bat bugs
Correct identification early can save significant time and expense.
Conclusion
Bat bugs are a direct result of bat activity in a structure. While they may resemble bed bugs and cause similar discomfort, they require a very different solution. Treating the insects without addressing the bats almost always leads to failure.
Understanding the connection between bats and bat bugs allows homeowners to take the right steps in the correct order. With proper bat exclusion and targeted treatment, bat bug problems can be resolved effectively and permanently.