Comparing a Baby Cockroach and a Bed Bug
The 8 Key Differences Between a Baby Cockroach vs Bed Bug
The greatest differences between a baby cockroach and a bed bug include size, shape, and antennae. Baby cockroaches are equal in size but grow slightly larger than them in a short amount of time. Baby cockroaches are cylindrical in shape, but bed bugs are oval-shaped, and that difference makes it easy to distinguish these creatures. Baby cockroaches have antennae that are about as long as their bodies, but bed bugs have relatively short antennae. Combined with the other differences we’ve mentioned, it should be easy to tell these insects apart from one another. Still, we’ll explore each difference that we’ve already named along with others.
Baby Cockroach vs Bed Bug: Size
Baby cockroaches are larger than bed bugs in the majority of cases. A baby cockroach will be about ¼ inch to ½ inch in length. They will grow up to 2in long as adults, far larger than a bed bug. Bed bugs only grow about ¼ inch long as adults, so this size disparity can be a way to tell the insects apart. However, size is rarely enough to determine the insects’ identity since they are so similar.
Baby Cockroach vs Bed Bug: Do They Bite Humans?
Bed bugs bite humans because they feed on blood, but baby cockroaches rarely bite humans unless situations are dire for them. Cockroaches are enticed to live in an area with ample food supplies. That means they usually have more than enough food to survive without coming into contact with humans. On the whole, cockroaches rarely bite human beings except in cases where the infestation is very large, food is short, or when a person has died.
Baby Cockroach vs Bed Bug: Shape
Baby cockroaches are cylindrical, but bed bugs are oval-shaped insects. The shape of these bugs is one of the easiest ways to tell these creatures apart from each other. For example, if the bug’s body is round instead of long, it’s probably a bed bug.
Baby Cockroach vs Bed bug: Antennae
Baby cockroaches have antennae that are almost as long as their body. Bed bugs have relatively short antennae that do not extend from their body nearly as far as a cockroach’s antennae.
Baby Cockroach vs Bed bug: Coloration
Baby cockroaches can be white right after hatching or right after they molt as part of their growth phase. However, when they are still nymphs, many baby cockroaches will be reddish-brown, the same color as bed bugs. If you catch these insects when they are young or after a molt, you can tell the difference. Otherwise, their color will look the same.
Baby Cockroach vs Bed bug: Eyes
Bed bugs have abnormally prominent eyes when you look at them head-on. Their eyes jut outward from the sides of their head, but a cockroach’s eyes are large black spots that do not stick out from the side as much but run from the top of their “face” toward the bottom.
Baby Cockroach vs Bed Bug: Wings
Baby cockroaches won’t develop their wings until late in their juvenile stage, but they will become apparent after a few molting cycles. Bed bugs do not have wings as nymphs or adults. Thus, wings are a great way to tell the differences between juvenile cockroaches and bed bugs.
Baby Cockroach vs Bed Bug: Hiding Spots
Baby cockroaches can be found in warm, moist areas like the kitchen or bathroom where food is plentiful. As their name implies, you can find bed bugs in furniture, mattresses, clothing, and other places. Baby cockroaches need access to food and water to thrive, so they are not as likely to invade a bedroom if it doesn’t have anything available for them to eat. Bed bugs feed on blood, so they will secure a good meal by staying close to the furniture that humans and their pets use. Baby cockroaches and bed bugs may have a similar color at times, but that is one of the few similarities these creatures possess. By taking a close look at their size, shape, eyes, antennae, and hiding spots, you’ll quickly see how unique these insects are from one another.
Your best bet is to take a look at the insects’ most common hiding areas around your home. If you spot additional insects or signs that they are living there, such as waste or eggs, then it’s time to consult a pest control company.
If you do not have any signs of an infestation, then it might be wise to start using perimeter defenses and insect controlling measures to kill bed bugs and cockroaches in and around your home to prevent one from starting. Of course, if you or a family member have bites on your skin, then it’s past time to call for pest control.
