How Our Investigative Approach Saved Someone $1,000+
- Emily Barnett
- Jul 26
- 2 min read
When you hear the words “bed bugs,” it’s enough to make your skin crawl. Bed bug treatments can be expensive & disruptive. If you suspect you have bed bugs, it's worth calling in a seasoned pest control professional.
Bed Bugs vs. Bat Bugs: Why It Matters
Bed bugs and bat bugs look nearly identical to the untrained eye. They're both small, flat, reddish-brown insects that hide in cracks and feed on blood.
However, there's a key difference: bat bugs typically feed on bats, not humans—and their presence usually indicates a bat nesting area nearby, not a bed bug infestation.
Misidentifying bat bugs as bed bugs can lead to unnecessary, costly treatments that don’t solve the actual issue. That’s where our training and experience make the difference.
The Investigation
Although the customer appeared to have bed bugs initially - they insect's behavior didn't quite align with typical bed bug activity, so we collected a specimen and examined it under magnification.
Sure enough, our Associate Certified Entomologist spotted the tell-tale characteristics that distinguish bat bugs from bed bugs: longer fringe hairs near the head, and a subtle difference in shape.
Next, we looked for the why. What brought bat bugs into this home? We tracked the source to the attic, where bats had been roosting.
A Smarter Solution
Instead of launching an aggressive (and expensive) bed bug treatment, we advised the customer to address the root cause: bat exclusion. Once the bats were gone, the bat bug issue would resolve.
The Takeaway: Not Every Bug Is a Bed Bug
This case is a great reminder that accurate identification and thorough inspection matter. At Pink Pest Solutions, we don't jump to conclusions or push unnecessary services. We're here to solve problems, not sell panic.
If you’ve spotted a suspicious bug in your home, give us a call before you commit to an expensive treatment. We’ll get you the right answers - and the right solution.
