Bed bugs are small insects, but they can cause major headaches when they invade our homes. Two of the most common species are the Asian bed bug ( Halyomorpha halys ) and the bed bug ( Cimex lectularius ). While the two are often confused due to their superficial similarities, they have some crucial differences. In this article, we’ll explore these differences to help you identify and deal with these pests effectively.
Bed Bug
✅ Habitat
One of the main differences between Asian bed bugs and bed bugs is their habitat. Bed bugs are found primarily in areas where people sleep or rest, such as beds, sofas, and armchairs.
✅ Food
Bed bugs feed exclusively on human and animal blood, biting their victims at night. Bed bugs are attracted to human body heat and carbon dioxide, which leads them to bite people while they sleep.
✅ Size and color
They are between 4 and 7 mm long and dark reddish in color, depending on their feeding status.
✅ Behavior
They cannot fly due to their vestigial (non-functional) wings.
Asian Stink Bug
✅ Habitat:
The Asian stink bug is native to Asia, as its name suggests, and has a preference for feeding on plants, making it a worrying pest for agriculture. They prefer to live outdoors, usually in trees, shrubs and plants. They are a problem for vegetable and fruit production because they feed on parts of plants. During the winter, they can enter buildings to shelter.
✅ Food:
They are predatory insects that feed on insects and mites, but do not bite humans. The Asian bed bug feeds on plants, particularly fruit trees, agricultural crops and vegetation. This means that, unlike the bed bug, it does not feed on human or animal blood.
✅ Size and color:
The Asian bed bug is larger than the bed bug, measuring about 12-17 mm in length. It has distinct white spots on the sides of its body.
✅ Behavior:
They have functional wings at a certain stage of development and can fly. Asian stink bugs tend to be more active during the day, unlike bed bugs. The Asian stink bug is not known to bite humans, but it is an agricultural pest that can cause significant damage to crops and agriculture in general.
In short, while Asian bed bugs and bed bugs may appear similar at first glance, they have distinct habitats, diets, behaviors, and health impacts. Correctly identifying these differences is key to implementing effective bed bug control and prevention strategies. If you suspect a bed bug infestation in your home, contact us so we can help!
