Bat Bugs in the Home: What You Need to Know and How to Get Rid of Them
If you’ve had bats in your attic or chimney, you might still be dealing with a lingering problem, even after the bats are gone. That problem is bat bugs. These parasitic insects are often mistaken for bed bugs but have a very different origin. In this blog, we’ll answer the most common questions homeowners ask about bat bugs, covering topics such as identification, health risks, treatment, and prevention.
What Are Bat Bugs?
Bat bugs (Cimex adjunctus) are parasitic insects closely related to bed bugs. They feed on the blood of bats and typically live near bat roosting areas, such as attics, chimneys, or wall voids. While they prefer bats as hosts, they can bite humans and pets if bats are no longer present.
How Do I Know If I Have Bat Bugs or Bed Bugs?
Bat bugs and bed bugs look almost identical, so it can be hard to tell them apart without professional help. The key difference often comes down to where they’re found and what kind of activity is happening in your home.
Bat bugs are typically discovered in attics, behind walls, or near chimneys—places where bats are likely to roost. If you’ve had bats in your home, especially in the upper levels, there’s a good chance any bug sightings in those areas could be bat bugs.
Bed bugs, on the other hand, prefer to stay close to their human hosts. They’re usually found in bedrooms—hiding in mattresses, box springs, headboards, or bedroom furniture.
At Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions, we take a comprehensive approach. When addressing a bat infestation, we also inspect for secondary issues like bat bugs. Our service includes:
- Identifying how bats are getting in
- Locating roosting areas
- Assessing damage to insulation or structures
- Removing the bats and sealing up entry points (exclusion)
- Treating for bat bugs if they’re present
If we determine the bugs in your home are bed bugs, we’ll connect you with a trusted local partner like Janssen Pest Control, who specializes in bed bug treatments and follow-up care.
Common questions we get asked:
Are Bat Bugs Dangerous?
Bat bugs do not transmit disease to humans, but their bites can cause skin irritation, itching, and allergic reactions. Infestations can also create significant stress for homeowners, especially when the bugs migrate from the attic to bedrooms or living spaces.
Can Bat Bugs Survive After the Bats Are Gone?
Yes, bat bugs can live for weeks or even months without a blood meal. Once their bat hosts are gone, they may seek out humans or pets as alternative sources of food. That’s why it’s important to treat both the bat infestation and the secondary pest issue at the same time.
Can I Get Rid of Bat Bugs Myself?
DIY pest control methods like foggers, sprays, or essential oils are rarely effective against bat bugs. These pests are excellent hiders and often live behind walls or in insulation, which makes them difficult to reach without professional equipment and expertise. That’s why Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions provides skilled assistance to solve not just bats in the attic, but also the associated problems, such as eliminating bat bugs.
How Do I Prevent Bat Bugs From Coming Back?
Preventing a bat bug recurrence involves:
- Sealing all potential bat entry points (gaps in siding, chimneys, vents)
- Regular inspections of your attic and roofline for bat activity
- Installing bat houses nearby to give bats a safe place to roost—away from your home
- Bats can come back to a home if new holes develop and especially if they have had long time roosting in your home. That is why we offer warranty extensions giving you peace of mind year after year.
Who Should I Call for Help with Bat Bugs?
At Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions, we specialize in both humane bat removal and comprehensive bat bug treatment. If you’ve had bats in your home, or suspect you might, we’ll assess the situation, safely exclude the bats, and ensure that bat bugs don’t become your next problem. Contact Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions today for a thorough inspection and custom treatment plan to keep your home safe and pest-free.
Schedule your inspection now by calling 515-218-3400 or learn more on our Bat Services page.