![]() These restrictions are in place to protect the bat population from further decline, and the rules must be strictly followed. Table 1 (back page) found in the Field Notes document here, provides a useful a summary of the regulations for all states in the US, along with a link to the relevant state websites for verification. Each state has specific regulations, which are based on the population biology of the bats in their region. Many species of bats are federally protected and there are restrictions on removal and exclusion of bats during specified times of the year. Here’s where things can get a little complicated. (Photo credit: Nina Jenkins, Penn State University) Bat bugs also have longer hairs around their entire abdomen. Note the hairs on the bat bug are longer than the width of the eye. Bed bugs have short hairs on their pronotum (yellow circle) bat bugs have long hairs on the pronotum (red circle). Bat bugs also have longer hairs around their entire abdomen.įigure 1Adult bed bug (left) and bat bug (right), showing dorsal view (a&b) and ventral view (c & d). Bat bugs have long hairs, usually twice the length of the eye, whereas bed bugs have much shorter hairs. There are a few subtle differences between the two, but the most reliable feature is the length of the hairs around the pronotum (behind the head). Most will provide sufficient clarity to observe the main differences between bat bugs and bed bugs.įigure 1 shows dorsal and ventral views of an adult bed bug (left) and an adult bat bug (right). Some come with attached LCD screens and others can be connected to a computer or smart phone. Fortunately, there are some very cost-effective digital options now available. To confirm that the specimen(s) that you collected are indeed bat bugs, a microscope or cell phone attachment with 20 to 50x magnification is required. Ask clients if they have heard scurrying or scratching sounds, or high-pitched squeaking, particularly around dawn or dusk. ![]() ![]() Check for structural defects in soffits, siding, chimneys, basements and crawl spaces. If bats are suspected, look for potential entry/exit points where bats may gain entry around the exterior of the home. Even homeowners who are aware that bats are, or had been roosting in their property may not be aware that bats may be responsible for introducing bat bugs into the home. Often, bat bugs only appear inside the property after the bats have left or been excluded. Check if they are aware of bats in or around the property. Ask the client where and when they first noticed the bugs. It is always good practice to have a detailed conversation with clients regarding their pest observations, but it’s particularly important when dealing with bed bugs and/or bat bugs. If you come across this situation, collect any individuals that you find so that you can check them under appropriate magnification. The appearance of ‘bed’ bugs in odd locations, particularly when there is little or no evidence of an established population around beds and seating areas maybe the first indicator. The first step is to establish whether there are any indications that a report of ‘bed bugs’ may actually be bat bugs. This article will cover the important differences in treatment protocols for bat bugs as these differ to bed bug management. However, if bats and bat bugs establish in a home, it is important to know how to correctly address the situation. Fortunately, bat bugs have not been shown to transmit disease to humans. Bat bugs seek harborages close to their hosts, establishing themselves in cracks and crevices near to the roosting bats. This occurrence is common when bats find a suitable entrance into a property and establish a colony in areas such as attics, unused chimneys and wall voids. Bat bugs enter homes if they become separated from their preferred host. Bat bugs can occasionally be found in homes, but they rarely feed on humans. Bat bugs (Cimex adjunctus) are often mistaken for bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.), but correct identification is important for their management.
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