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Rockwell Labs
Bat bugs look very similar to bed bugs, with the principal difference being longer hairs on the bat bug thorax. They will bite humans and other mammals or birds if bats are not available, but they can’t reproduce on human blood. They can live many months without a bloodmeal, however.
Bat bugs are generally an issue when bats are in the structure, but they can also travel in with rodents or pets. Their bites generally cause less reaction than bed bug bites.
Products that control bed bugs are generally also labeled for bat bugs, but eliminating the source will be the key to lasting control. Because of their biology, bat bug populations are not likely to “explode” in typical structures inhabited by people. Bed bugs, of course, travel with humans so they can be brought into structures with people or their belongings.
Susceptible accounts need proactive prevention. We recommend applying a long-lasting, appropriately labeled silica dust around room perimeters, under beds, nightstands, upholstered furniture and other common hiding places.
