Bed Bug vs Cockroach: A Quick Comparison Guide for Homeowners

folder_openHemiptera, Insecta
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Bed bugs and cockroaches are two common household pests that can cause discomfort and frustration for homeowners.

While both are known to inhabit human dwellings, their behaviors and characteristics differ significantly.

In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between bed bugs and cockroaches to help you better understand and deal with these unwelcome visitors.

 

Bed Bug vs Cockroach
Bed Bug

 

Bed bugs are small, flat, parasitic insects that primarily feed on human blood while people sleep.

These pests are reddish-brown, wingless, and range from 1mm to 7mm in size, enabling them to hide in tiny crevices in mattresses or other furniture.

On the other hand, cockroaches are larger, oval-shaped insects that can vary in size and color, depending on the species. Unlike bed bugs, they are scavengers, feeding on a variety of organic materials, including human and pet food.

While both bed bugs and cockroaches can be difficult to eliminate, their unique features require different approaches to pest control.

For example, bed bug infestations require specialized treatments targeting their hiding spots, whereas cockroach control may involve sanitation measures and the use of insecticides.

Understanding the distinctions between these two pests is essential to addressing an infestation effectively.

Bed Bug vs Cockroach: Key Differences

Appearance and Size

Bed bugs:

Cockroaches:

  • Cylindrical body, wider towards the head
  • Brown or black in color
  • Size varies by species (typically 4 cm)
  • Two pairs of wings
  • Antennae are long and thin

An adult bed bug is roughly the size of an apple seed, while a cockroach can be as small as a penny or as large as a quarter (depending on the species).

 

 

Comparison table:

  Bed Bugs Cockroaches
Shape Oval-shaped and flat Cylindrical
Color Reddish-brown Brown or black
Size 1-5 mm 10-50 mm
Wings None Two pairs
Antennae Short and stubby Long and thin

Habitat and Behavior

Bed bug habitat and behavior:

  • Usually found in sleeping areas
  • Hide in small crevices and seams of mattresses, furniture, and walls
  • Nocturnal and do not fly
  • Attracted to warmth, moisture, and carbon dioxide

Cockroach habitat and behavior:

  • Can live in various environments (kitchens, bathrooms, and sewers)
  • Prefer warm and humid places
  • Fast-moving insects
  • Nocturnal and hide during the day in cracks or crevices

Feeding Habits

Bed bug feeding habits:

 

Bed Bugs

 

Cockroach feeding habits:

  • Omnivorous and eat a wide range of materials (food, paper, dead skin, etc.)
  • Contaminate food sources with bacteria
  • Contribute to allergic reactions and asthma attacks

Health Risks and Impacts

Disease Transmission

Although bed bugs are not effective vectors of disease, they have been found naturally-infected with blood-borne pathogens.

In contrast, cockroaches have been recognized for their ability to transmit diseases such as dysentery, cholera, and typhoid fever.

They accomplish this by carrying bacteria on their bodies and contaminating food sources, surfaces, and appliances.

Allergies and Asthma

Cockroaches are known to produce allergens through their droppings and cast-off skins, which can trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma symptoms, especially in children.

Bed bugs, on the other hand, pose a minimal risk of triggering allergies or worsening asthma symptoms. Their bites, can, however cause reactions.

 

Red Headed Cockroaches

 

Bite Symptoms and Treatments

Bed bug bites can cause varying reactions in individuals, ranging from no visible signs to small bite marks or even severe allergic reactions that may require medical attention.

Itching can occur, and it’s important to resist the urge to scratch to prevent infections. Over-the-counter creams and antihistamines can usually provide relief from bite symptoms.

In contrast, cockroach bites are rare, as they typically avoid biting humans.

In the unlikely event that a cockroach does bite, it can cause minor irritation or swelling, which can be treated similarly to a bed bug bite, using over-the-counter creams and antihistamines if necessary.

Summary of Differences:

  • Bed bug bites: small bite marks, itching, possible severe allergic reaction
  • Cockroach bites: rare, minor irritation or swelling

Prevention and Control Measures

Home Hygiene and Maintenance

A well-maintained home can prevent bed bugs and cockroaches. Start by:

  • Regularly cleaning surfaces and floors
  • Disposing of garbage promptly
  • Removing clutter that they can hide in
  • Fixing leaks to reduce access to water

For example, store food in sealed containers to deter pests and reduce their food sources.

Chemical and Non-Chemical Solutions

Bed Bugs:

Cockroaches:

  • Use traps and baits
  • Apply insecticides
  • Utilize sticky traps for monitoring

Pros:

  • Effective at reducing pest populations
  • Wide range of products/methods available

Cons:

  • Some chemicals can be harmful to humans and pets
  • Pests may develop resistance to chemicals

Sealing and Exclusion Strategies

An effective prevention is sealing entry points and doing proper exclusion tactics:

  • Caulking cracks and crevices
  • Sealing gaps around plumbing and wiring
  • Installing door sweeps and weather strips

For example, sealing a hole around a pipe can prevent pests from entering your home.

Here’s a comparison table between bed bugs and cockroaches:

Feature Bed Bugs Cockroaches
Size 1mm-7mm Baby: 3mm; Adult: 13-16mm
Appearance Small, flat, reddish-brown Oval-shaped, reddish-brown
Habitat Mattresses, furniture, luggage Kitchens, bathrooms, hidden
Treatment Mattress covers, heat, EPA insecticides Traps, baits, insecticides
Prevention Sealing, frequent cleaning Hygiene, sealing, exclusion

Bug Control Recommendation Tool

What type of pest are you dealing with?

How severe is the infestation?

Do you require child/pet/garden safe treatments (organic)?

Are you willing to monitor and maintain the treatment yourself?


Conclusion

Bed bugs and cockroaches are two distinct pests that homeowners often encounter. While both can infest homes, they differ in behavior, appearance, and habitat.

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood, primarily during sleep, and are often found in sleeping areas.

Cockroaches, on the other hand, are larger, scavengers, and can inhabit various environments, including kitchens and bathrooms. Differentiating between their bites and understanding their unique characteristics is crucial.

While bed bugs are not effective disease vectors, cockroaches can transmit diseases like dysentery and cholera.

Proper identification and understanding of these pests are essential for effective prevention and control.

 

Authors

  • Bugman

    Bugman aka Daniel Marlos has been identifying bugs since 1999. whatsthatbug.com is his passion project and it has helped millions of readers identify the bug that has been bugging them for over two decades. You can reach out to him through our Contact Page.

    View all posts
  • Piyushi is a nature lover, blogger and traveler at heart. She lives in beautiful Canada with her family. Piyushi is an animal lover and loves to write about all creatures.

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Tags: Bed Bug

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7 Comments. Leave new

  • Reply
  • The three bites in a row are the tip off. In the bad old days, which apparently come returned, the three bites were commonly referred to as “breakfast, lunch, and dinner.” I’ve experienced ’em myself after a miserable night in a cheap motel.

    Reply
  • look like a tick… in fact, pretty sure that is a tick.

    Reply
  • carpet beetle, they will eat your wool right out from under you

    Reply
  • Dear Brooke,
    You have to check more Bed Bugs in your surroundings.They are very dangerous pests.So if you want to get rid of pest like Bud Bugs,you can call to Texoma Pest Managment,Wichita Falls,TX. They have the experience, equipment, and expertise necessary to eliminate pests.

    Reply
  • Recent Bug Refugee
    August 18, 2016 8:05 am

    Shayla, it doesn’t have to be expensive to get rid of an infestation, but it does take some hard work and vigilance. You will want to be very cautious about using pesticides, though, with being pregnant and when your baby arrives.

    If you rent, your landlord should be responsible for treatment — but they should use an experienced pest professional (one that is familiar with bed bug behavior and proper treatment options). Make sure the pest professional knows you are pregnant.

    The first and best things you should do, aside from notifying your landlord if you rent, are to buy a mattress & box spring encasements, isolate your bed from the walls and floor (no bed skirt, hanging sheets, etc), and put traps on the legs of your bed. Vacuuming all the nooks and crannies — gaps, baseboards, bed frame corners, etc. in your bedroom is important to remove bugs and eggs, but you must either throw away the vacuum bag each day or use knee-high pantyhose stockings on the vacuum hose (then you can soak those in alcohol and throw away, instead of the whole vacuum bag). You will also want to bag up all your clothing etc. and put through the dryer on very high heat (120 degrees kills all stages of the bugs). Then keep storing your belongings in plastic trash bags or Ziplocs until you know the bugs are gone.

    Know that foggers and sprays sold at home stores are not a reliable method to eliminate an infestation, and can be dangerous if not used properly.

    Good luck!

    Reply

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