We have what we think are bat bugs but they look a lot like bed bugs too. Can you tell the difference? I sent a pic.
We’re seeing them upstairs in our bedrooms. Some are on the wall and ceiling but they’re also biting the kids so they must be in the room too.We don’t see any downstairs and we seem to be okay during the day. But at night, we’re finding them if you turn the lights on after its been dark for awhile. I’ve been told to use your bed bug spray but will this work for bat bugs too? They just showed up after Halloween.
The picture you sent is definitely a bat bug. And based on where you’re seeing them, it makes sense.
Bat bugs are commonly carried by a range of animals. Most commonly found on bats, they’ll roost where bats are “hanging out”. Literally. So if you had bats hanging on your home’s siding or worse, in your attic, some bat bugs would have migrated off the bats and onto or into the home too.
Now once the bats leave for the winter and migrate south, the bat bugs left behind will be forced to forage to eat elsewhere. This forces them to search. If they make it to living spaces, they’ll find where people and pets are active.
Like bed bugs, bat bugs feed on blood. They prefer to eat at night and very “stealthy”. They’re actually quite fast and once they know where to target someone or some pet, they’ll stage themselves nearby. Common nests sites include but are not limited to areas behind paintings, in cabinets, in dressers, around air vents and inside electric outlet covers. When it gets dark and someone retires for the evening, they’ll forage out to do their deed while you sleep.
The good news is our bed bug products will work fine on bat bugs. But there are some differences when treating if you want to knock them out for good. Bed bugs are generally isolated to the living area of the home so you can attack them right where they’re nesting. Bat bugs are different. They’re often times coming from some remote location of the home. In most cases, its the attic. In the big picture, this means just treating your living area would be short sighted. More on this below..
HOW TO TREAT YOUR HOME FOR BAT BUGS
Since bat bugs will generally forage down from attics into living spaces, simply treating rooms where you see them or get bit will not solve the problem. True, you can kill plenty. But they’ll just keep coming back. To solve the problem requires treatments that target their nest sites.
FIRST LIQUID SPRAY BASEBOARDS
To start, liquid spray using BITHOR and GENTROL GROWTH REGULATOR. Use this mixture along baseboards, under furniture and around beds. This will intercept foraging bed bugs which target where people like to rest such as beds, chairs and couches.
The Bithor will control the foraging adults by killing them a day or two after they move through a treatment. The Gentrol won’t kill any bugs but instead it will prevent young bat bugs from reaching maturity. This effectively ends their life cycle if they cannot reproduce.
The following “short video” (less than 60 seconds long) summarizes why Bithor is a good option for use in the home:
The other added benefit of Gentrol is that it will translocate. This means it “moves” out over a large area reaching many more bugs and not just the ones you spray. This is critical as the Gentrol will effectively get many bat bugs you won’t reach with just Bithor. Remember, Bithor does not work like Gentrol. It only goes where you spray it. But with Gentrol added to the tank mix, you get much more benefit from the treatment.
Add 1.00 of Bithor per gallon of water and plan on spraying this over 1000 sq/ft. Most homes will require 1-2 gallons of mixed material per treatment. And spray once every two weeks until the problem is resolved. After that, treat every 3 months to ensure they don’t return.
Add 1 oz of Gentrol to the same tank with the Bithor.
The “best sprayer” for applying the Bithor and Gentrol is our MINI MISTER.
The following “short video” (less than 60 seconds long) summarizes why its so good for use in the home for making clean applications and treatments to sensitive areas.
As you can see in the video above, the Mini Mister produces a very light aerosol mist. This allows you to treat without making a mess on baseboards, rugs and furniture.
It features a 12 oz tank, rechargeable battery and can spray the mist 5-6 feet.
A good PUMP SPRAYER can also be used; just make sure it has a good “fan” pattern tip like this one.
SPRAY FURNITURE AND BEDDING
Couches, chairs and beds are commonly used by bat bugs as nest sites. Treat these areas by removing cushions and mattresses so you can reach the frame of the piece.
If you’re not comfortable using the liquid mixture due to cosmetic concerns, use MULTIPURPOSE INSECT KILLER. When used properly, Multi-Purpose will “go on dry” and is well suited for sensitive areas. It uses an adulticide to both kill and keep killing any bat bugs that might crawl down from ceilings.
The following “short video” (less than 60 seconds long) shows how to use it for walls and ceilings:
Each can will cover up to 750 sq/ft. Its good for spot treating carpeting in between scheduled liquid applications with the Bithor since its ready to use. This can be helpful if you discover a nest or some activity in between scheduled applications.
DUST ATTICS AND ENTRY POINTS
Since bat bugs usually come from attics, if you don’t treat this space you’ll be prone to re-infestations. Bat bugs will overwinter fine so cold won’t kill them. And if bats or birds come back in the future (which tends to happen), they’ll be leaving more bugs which ultimately will end up migrating down to living spaces too.
The following “short video” shows how to treat these routes of entry including air vents, electric outlets and under light switch covers.
Dusts are ideal for these areas and the longest lasting dust available right now is XEMPT D. Made with a dehydrating base, it uses all natural plant essential oils for quick killing and then when they wear off, the base can last 1-2 years.
Xempt G uses all natural ingredients at a dose TARGET do not like. They have a distinctive “wintergreen” aroma and will last 60 days per application. If you spray Pest Away over the granules, you’ll get 60-90 days of residual from treatments so you don’t have to spray as frequently
Xempt G is packed 4 bags to a box; each baggie is .5 lbs and will cover up to 100 sq/ft.
A good dust for this treatment is XEMPT D. Xempt D features two qualities that make it more efficient compared to ordinary insecticide dusts.
First, like insecticide dusts, it will agitate insects and force them to leave the dusted area or else they will die. And once they start moving, if they have dust on them they will die by dehydration.
Directly treated pests will succumb to the dust within a day BUT even as the active ingredient wears off in 1-2 months, the remaining base ingredient will keep working by making pests uncomfortable. So where ordinary dusts break down after 1-2 months and have no way of impacting pests, Xempt’s base lasts and keeps active by retaining its dehydrating feature.
The second most important part of this feature is that Xempt D will last 1-2 years in attics making it ideal for persistent pests like bat bugs.
Xempt D uses all natural plant oils as actives and then its unique silica base will keep on working as the dehydrator for over a year.
Apply 10 oz per 500 sq/ft of attic space. When treating wall outlets, 2-3 puffs in the wall will do the job so no need to over apply.
For attics, the easiest way to apply Xempt D is using our DUSTIN MIZER.
The following video shows how this device can “project” the dust out in attics.
This unit will effectively “blow” out the dust 10-20 feet so you can distribute it over the attic space without having to walk all around.
Take time to dust all routes of entry too. Bat bugs tend to start around soffits, just under the roof overhangs, where bats or birds my be roosting. From there they can enter soffit vents and migrate out into the attic or down wall voids. If they route down wall voids, they’ll enter living spaces by crawling out of electric outlets, switch plate covers and light fixtures.
The following “short video” shows how to treat these ports of entry:
Dusting these ports requires a little time because you should remove the cover first. But its easy to do and once dusted, you won’t have to treat it again. Also, dust around ventilation ports. Not in the vent but the space between the vent and the cutout. There is usually a big gap, like 1/4 to 1/2 inch which is covered up by the vent’s frame. Loosening the vent and allowing it to “drop down” from the ceiling or wall will usually reveal the gap and if your home has these spaces, get them dusted too.
You’ll need a good HAND DUSTER to make the application. These are easy to use and most outlets will only take a few seconds to dust.
Roger Oehler says
We have seen a few bat bugs every few days. Some are dead and some are alive. They started to show up (we think) after we finally got control of the bats (hopefully). Are the above sightings an indication of the overall population and how many could there be? Thanks.
Tech Support says
How many you might have is anyone’s guess. But you might try installing some of our Bed Bug traps if you want to find out. To be clear, these traps will only catch up to 5% of the active population (like any other trap) so not a reliable or effective control measure. But at least you’d have a clue about what was happening.
Closely related to BedBugs, Bat Bugs will readily find these traps and by deploying them throughout the home you should be able to identify the “key” areas where they’re most active. Mind you these traps won’t “solve” the problem but every one they catch will help drop the local population and with any luck, allow you to identify where they’re most focused or concentrated.
Bed Bug Slider: https://bugspray.com/traps/pheromone-and-food/bed-bug-slider-trap
Now you’re sure you’ve got a significant problem, extensive treating should be done to knock them out for good. That means treating the attic (if the bats were in it or close to it) with the Xempt D.
Xempt Dust: https://bugspray.com/exempt/dust/pest-xempt-dust
Dustin Mizer: https://bugspray.com/equipment/dusters/dustin-mizerdeflector
I’d also treat the inside entry points with Xempt D as our article explains. This can do a great job of “excluding” them.
Crusader Duster: https://bugspray.com/equipment/dusters/crusader
Lastly, surface spray carpeting and furniture with Bithor
Bithor: https://bugspray.com/catalog/insecticide/liquid/bithor_sc
Dennis Easly says
What if you suspect batbugs in an attic that has no access to it? What would be the best way of attacking the bat bugs?
Tech Support says
Make access and power dust with the Xempt D and either a Dustin Mizer.
Xempt D: https://bugspray.com/exempt/dust/pest-xempt-dust
Dustin Mizer: https://bugspray.com/equipment/dusters/dustin-mizerdeflector
If you look over the space, you should be able to locate a spot where you can make access for dusting. True it might involved a little extra work but the good news is the dust will last so long, it’s well worth doing. And having access to at least look into these spaces is important for many reasons anyway.
Dennis Easly says
Thank you for your reply to my last question however I still need help. Would the Dustick work for applying powder in a vaulted roof using the bird blocks to gain access? I am trying to attempt to apply the dust for bat bugs and there is no other access other than removing whole roof. Thanks again for your help.
Tech Support says
It should work fine as long as you have access points close enough to one another. Remember, the Dustin Mizer or Electric Duster previously mentioned is able to propel the dust a good 15-25 feet but that won’t be the case with a Dustick. So to get equal coverage (distribution), you’ll have to have the holes no more than 3 feet apart to insure unilateral coverage.
Here is a link to this item in our cart. Please show your support for our business by purchasing the items we recommend from the links provided. Remember, this is the only way we can stay around and keep this valuable web site up and running. Thanks for your business!
Dustick: https://bugspray.com/equipment/dusters/dustick
Sarah says
Hi, I’m glad I found this very informative website. I’m thinking I have a bat bug problem. I don’t think we have bats but it seems like they are living off a couple bird families in the roof. I did however, take them in to get verified. But haven’t heard back yet. Just in case, if they are bat bugs is there a recommended process to avoid them going further into the home when we remove their hosts in the roof? For example can we apply the dust in the roof a couple days prior to removing the hosts to get an head start on the extermination process? Also, how safe are your products for a crawling baby to be around? If you don’t mind can you attach the link to the products I need to purchase. TIA!
Tech Support says
Sarah,
The dust can be applied anytime so whether you remove the host birds first or not will not matter. Apply it with the Dustin Mizer for the best results.
Xempt Dust: https://bugspray.com/exempt/dust/pest-xempt-dust
Dustin Mizer: https://bugspray.com/equipment/dusters/dustin-mizerdeflector
For inside areas, Bithor can be safely applied to walls, baseboards and even carpets where people and pets are active. This is covered in our video on the Bithor page as well as our “Safety First” videos.
Bithor: https://bugspray.com/catalog/insecticide/liquid/bithor_sc
https://bugspray.com/safety-first-videos
Tech Support
CJ says
Hello, I have quite a few questions for you and I hope you don’t mind.
First off, I have dogs and cats that have bird mites, will treating the house the way you suggested eventually kill the ones that are on my animals? If not what can I use on them, that is in addition to following your instructions listed?
I also have fish tanks what would be the best way to secure them from the chemicals? The mites get on me too, they are driving me crazy they get in my eyes and nose, I am so relieved to see a website that tells me how to get rid of these things. I have looked all over and no one seems to know of chemicals that will kill these monsters. I hope and pray these chemicals will work as you stated. Oh and do you guys have someone that would come out and do this treatment or do we just do this ourselves? At this point I will do what ever work I need to so I can get these things gone. Thank you so much for your time, have a great day.
Sincerely,
Cheryl
Tech Support says
Here are some answers to your questions…
For the pets, get our Multipurpose Insect Killer. Labeled for dogs, its odorless, water based so super gentle and every economical.
Multipurpose Insect Killer: https://bugspray.com/catalog/insecticide/aerosol/multi-purpose-insect-killer-10-oz
Treat them weekly till the problem is gone and they’ll be content regardless of what is going on around them.
Next, we are a supply shop that sells professional grade pesticides. Many of our customers are pest control companies but we also sell to businesses and homeowners who want to treat their own property. So if you’re inclined to do this work yourself, get what we’ve got listed above and you can no doubt start treating to get rid of this pest.
Lastly, fish tanks should be “turned off” during any treatment. That means any air supply pumps should be unplugged when you spray. Additionally, the top of the tanks should be covered with some kind of plastic tarp or plastic bag to insure no chemical splashes into the tanks. Once the treatment is complete, the pumps can be turned back on and the covers removed without danger or hazard to your fish.
Good luck and remember you can always call us toll free at 1-800-877-7290 for further assistance.
Kevin Miser says
Hi, my name is Kevin M., and I found and read your articles pertaining to batbug removal. I am very happy to have found your website! I will briefly fill you in on my problem; In 2001, I bought an old General Store, built in 1873. During a $142,000 dollar renovation, I was happy to see that there had never been any bats in the huge attic. The building has an apartment on top, which used to be a large, one room, Odd Fellows Lodge.
In 1940,the building was lowered 6 feet, and slid back 20 feet, to make way for State Route 78 to be widened and paved. At that time, the upstairs lodge was no longer being used as a meeting place and was converted to an apartment. When I bought the place, the Apartment had not been lived in for 28 years. About that time I added heat, moved into the apartment in 04 and then the attic above started getting bats in 05 (An old house down the road a ways, was torn down, and the bat colony from it, moved in here).
I first saw Batbugs in a small cluster, on the side of the chimney, in 07, I called a local exterminator. He wasn’t helpful. I bought another house, and moved out. The bat colony grew. 7 years have passed, since first seeing bats, and bugs, and now my problem is BAD. I am considering burning down the 12,000 square foot structure, to be done with the problem. I have tried everything, to get rid of the bats. They live in the eve overhang, 46 foot up in the air. They also roost and fly around in the huge attic, accessible by a trapdoor in the 12 foot high ceiling. Any suggestions for me?
Tech Support says
First, you say the house is on state route 78? Is this the same highway 78 we’re located on? If so and the structure is close to our main store location, we should be able to come out and help by doing some onsite consultation as to what you’ll need, how to best use the products suggested, etc.
Second, if you were planning on knocking the down structure to rebuild from scratch, then no doubt this will resolve the issue. But no matter how bad it might be, I’m sure we can help you remove the bats and bat bugs for a lot less $ compared to replacing the structure.
So for now, I suggest your review our Bat Control article where you’ll see what you can do to first get rid of the bats. This will be the first phase of the cleanup. My best guess it will involve the use of Ultrasound Devices and once the bats leave, closing entry holes, etc. And if you cannot do a full and thorough closure, combining the closure with some netting and/or screening will do the job.
Bats: https://bugspray.com/articles98/bats
Once the bats are gone, you can target the bat bugs which will no doubt be a lot more vulnerable once their supply of food is gone. In most cases, a combination of Xempt D and Bithor will solve any problem and if you call, we can give you specific directions on how to best apply them throughout the structure to insure you don’t miss any spots. In most cases, treatments will be needed in 1-2 areas of any home with this problem. But based on the details you provided, I pretty sure you’re going to need to treat as much of the building as you can access.
Here are links to these items in our cart. Please show your support for our business by purchasing the items we recommend from the links provided. Remember, this is the only way we can stay around and be here to answer your questions and keep this valuable web site up and running. Thanks for your business!
Xempt D: https://bugspray.com/exempt/dust/pest-xempt-dust
Bithor: https://bugspray.com/catalog/insecticide/liquid/bithor_sc
Sarah says
I recently purchased a used item that had been stored in an attic. 3 days after taking it home I noticed shells from what I believe are bat bugs. Will these bugs invade my home? What products can be used to prevent them from taking over that are safe for use around children and pets?
I sprayed “proof” organic bed bug spray. Would this work? Or what would you recommend? I didn’t see any live bugs, but I’m concerned that it may have brought them in.
Tech Support says
Sarah,
First, its not easy to identify an insect species from a “shell”, especially one in the “bug” family. So at this time, I would say its not likely they were bat bugs but what? Anyone’s guess.
Second, whenever you bring something home that’s thought to have a pest problem (box, piece of furniture, appliance, etc.), its always best to stick it in a clear plastic bag for 1-2 weeks to see if anything comes “out”. If it does, you’ll see the pest inside the bag. From there you can make a positive ID and consider treatment options.
Third, anything you then find can be positively identified and like prescribing medicine for a sickness, the right treatment could be applied.
Fourth, in this case, if you wanted to be sure nothing could live in your living area (assuming this piece is now in your home), treating the affected piece with some FS MP Aerosol would be the minimal thing to do.
FS MP: https://bugspray.com/catalog/insecticide/aerosol/fs-mp-insecticide-15-oz-aerosol
Spraying the carpets, area rugs and floor mattes would be smart too using the Bithor listed above.
Bithor: https://bugspray.com/catalog/insecticide/liquid/bithor_sc
When used properly, all our products are safe to use in and around the home as detailed here:
Product Safety: https://www.bugspray.com/about-us/who_is_bugspray.html#safe_for_the_home
Mary Collins says
We have a problem with mites or no seeum’s that are in our house. They do not bite but crawl in my hair and body and around our nose. This does not happen all the time but throughout the day. Could you please help us? Thanks.
Tech Support says
You most likely have fungus flies. These are small flies that are attracted to anything decomposing. In the home they’ll readily live in a recycle bin, garbage disposal sink, compost pile or potted plant. And since they’re attracted to carbon monoxide, fungus flies will readily swarm around our noses, eyes, hair, mouth and other moist areas of the body.
The good news is they don’t bite and they’re easy to control. Space spray rooms with activity using Multipurpose in the morning and evening before you retire. This will usually knock them out after a few days of regular treatments.
Alternatively you can set up one or two Aerosol machines with some Clear Zone. This pyrethrin based material will work like the Multipurpose but when used in the machine, it gets applied automatically so you don’t have to remember to treat. Set one machine up per room and configure it to release a one second blast of pyrethrin at least once an hour.
Lastly, set up a Sparrow Hawk Light Trap. They work great for fungus flies and can really help at reducing local populations in the home.
Multipurpose Insect Killer: https://bugspray.com/catalog/insecticide/aerosol/multi-purpose-insect-killer-10-oz
Aerosol 2000: https://bugspray.com/equipment/foggers/aerosol-dispenser-2000
Clear Zone: https://bugspray.com/catalog/insecticide/aerosol/clear-zone-metered-insecticide
Sparrow Hawk Flying Insect Trap: https://bugspray.com/traps/fly/sparrow-hawk-electric-fly-trap
Here’s a link to our Fungus Fly article where you can learn more about this pest:
Fungus Flies: https://bugspray.com/fungus_fly_control
dawn maclear says
I seem to have controlled the environment but need to get the stinging bird mites off me. Do you have anything for that?
Tech Support says
Dawn,
We have three options that can help.
First, to Deet Lotion can keep them off teated skin. Use daily as needed.
Deet 20% Lotion: https://bugspray.com/repellents/liquid/deet-20-lotion-6-oz
Second, treat mite bites with Sting Relief Swabs. This treatment takes the “itch” out of existing bites already on the skin.
Bite Swabs: https://bugspray.com/equipment/first-aid/stinger-relief-swab-10-pk
Third, use Genes Cream instead of either of the aforementioned. Genes cream basically will repel the mites and soothe the skin making it the “one lotion option”. So if you want just one topical treatment to apply, go with this cream.
Soothing Cream: https://bugspray.com/equipment/first-aid/genes-soothing-cream
Technical Support
U-Spray Bugspray
http://www.bugspray.com
1-800-877-7290
Storm Yetter says
Thank you sooooo, much for the information. I have been struggling with bat bugs for almost 2 yrs. The m;an I live with didn’t believe that there were bats, finally he heard them…… But, not until he has been bitten a lot, did he start listening to me… When this first started, we thought it was bed bugs from a recliner we had bought from a second hand store, which were in one room. We also got rid of box spring & mattress.
Thank you, again. I’ll be calling you in the morning…
Andrew Ernst says
When dusting the Attic do you actually treat every square foot on top of the insulation?
Tech Support says
Andrew,
Great question. When using our dusters, the dust will go pretty much everywhere by default so you don’t have to “try” to dust over everything. But once its in the air, it tends to cover all surfaces anyway.
Technical Support
800-877-7290
PS: Are you signed up for our informative twice a month Pest Report Newsletter? More info here: https://bugspray.com/bugspray-pest-report
Richard H Baublitz says
My name is Richard and I live in Maryland. We had bats in the roof but the landlord had his people close the opening up but left the bats nest in there. Now we started having little bugs that look like bat or bed bugs. Some of them crawl up the wall and some come under base boards. Put down earth powder, did not help. What can I put down to help kill them?
Tech Support says
Richard,
If you read through our article above, you’ll see you need to treat the baseboards with the Bithor and then lightly mist above, like the walls where you see them, with the Bedlam. Lastly, dust the attic with the Xempt D. You can order all of these above and we’ll ship immediately so you’ll have what you need in 1-2 days.
You may want to review our Bat Control article too in case you have bat odor to remove or want to keep the bats out for good. Our Sound repellers are awesome and will do a great job permanently keeping them out for sure.
Bats: https://www.bugspray.com/articles98/bats
Technical Support
800-877-7290
PS: Are you signed up for our informative twice a month Pest Report Newsletter? More info here: https://bugspray.com/bugspray-pest-report
Chasity says
I just moved in with my roommate and I noticed that I’ve been getting bite by what seems to be bat bugs but I have never heard a bat or anything of the sort. Also I’m not sure if there is an attic but when I killed the bug it was an easy squish does that mean it is a bat bug or a bed bug?
Tech Support says
Chasity,
If you check our Bedbug article, you’ll see a picture of one. In our Batbug article, we have a picture of them as well. As you can see, both are very similar in size and shape and they’re typically the size of a flat “pea” or bigger. And though the young stage can be soft, they will get a tougher out shell as they mature to adults.
The “good” news is that it really doesn’t matter which you have; the initial treatments will be inside living areas using the Bithor if done thoroughly, they will have a dramatically good impact. In most cases this will resolve the issue but if it turns out to be batbugs, you might end up seeing them 2-3 months after you initiate treatments. This can happen because they’ll be entering the living areas you’re not spraying. Bedbugs will be right there with you so easy to control.
Batbugs can be a bit trickier to control unless their “food” has left. We see this a lot in the fall. If bats have moved away from your home, the batbugs will need to find new food to eat and in turn, will migrate from attics to living spaces leading their Xempt D assuming you treat. Its just too soon to know for sure.
More info on both can be found in our articles here:
Bedbug Article: https://www.bugspray.com/article/bedbugs
Bat Bugs: https://bugspray.com/article/bat-bug-control
Diana says
We have been having issues with bat bugs. The bats have nested in between our chimney and our house. We were able to get rid of the bats and plugged the hole in one side of the house, but we also had another colony on the north side of the house. We need to figure out how to get rid of those. Bat bugs are coming into my sons bedroom (bats are on his side of the house) we see a few at a time sometimes dead and live ones. He is getting bitten. What is our best mode of treatment since they are between the chimney and the house? After we figure out how to get rid of the bats, how do we treat that area? We do not have an attic.
Tech Support says
Diana,
All routes of entry into living spaces from the attic and exterior walls need to be dusted with Xempt D. It comes with a tube injector so use it to disperse the dust. In some cases, drilling holes through the ceiling so the dust can be “injected” into the void is the way to go.
The rest of the home needs to be sprayed with Bithor and Gentrol along baseboards and carpeting. Any in furniture or bed frames should be dusted with the Xempt D as well.
Lastly, setting out some Bedbug Slider traps can help.
Technical Support
http://www.bugspray.com