Are you having trouble sleeping at night and waking up itchy? Dust mites vs bed bugs, which is which? It could be bed bugs or dust mites. Both of these pests can cause a lot of problems, but they are very different from each other.
Knowing the difference between them is the key to getting rid of your problem quickly and effectively. This guide will help you distinguish between bed bugs and dust mites so that you can take appropriate action to avoid each one.
Dust Mite vs Bed Bug Photos
Differences Between Bed Bugs and Dust Mites
There are many differences between dust mites and bed bugs; size, behavior, and shape are significant differences. Dust mites are microscopic, and bed bugs are visible to the naked eye. However, tools like vacuums, steamers, and encasements can help with both! All forms of dust mites are more petite than bed bugs.
About 90% of the house dust mite belong to three Dermatophagoides species, D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae, and E. maynei. However, around 13 species of dust mites live within our homes. Whereas with bed bugs, it’s mainly Cimex lectularius that infests our homes, with some populations of the Cimex hemipterus on the rise.
Learn more about how to get rid of dust mites for good. (or at least reduce the population in your home)
- Versatile 17-Piece Kit: Includes tools for cleaning floors, kitchens, bathrooms, vehicles, and more, adapting to all your needs.
- Powerful Steam Cleaning: Uses superheated steam to dissolve dirt, grease, and grime quickly and effectively.
- Chemical-Free Solution: A safe and eco-friendly way to clean without relying on harsh chemicals.
- Compact & Portable Design: Lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
- Large Tank Capacity: Offers up to 50 minutes of cleaning time per fill for uninterrupted deep cleaning sessions.
Affiliate links: we earn a small commission at no cost if you finalize a purchase.
We cover the significant differences between dust mites and bed bugs below.
Size (Bed Bugs VS Dust Mites)
Bed Bugs
The average bed bug is approximately 1.5 mm – 6 mm from baby to adult.
Dust Mites
The average dust mite is between one-quarter and one-third of a millimeter, which is significantly smaller than a bed bug.
Color
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are generally reddish-brown; they will be a brighter red if you see one right after a blood meal. In comparison, the bed bug eggs are pearly white. Check out our entire article on “what do bed bug eggs look like?” for a more comprehensive view.
Dust Mites
A dust mite ranges in color to clear, to white, to grey. However, you will see their color with magnification.
Life Cycle (Bed Bugs vs Dust Mites)
Bed Bugs
The bed bugs hatch from an egg ➡️ 5 stages of nymphs ➡️ adult. On average, a bed bug will take 4-8 weeks to complete its life cycle.
Check out our full article: on the Bed bug life cycle.
Dust Mites
Unlike bed bugs, the dust mites have a larval stage: egg ➡️ larvae ➡️ nymph ➡️ adult. Depending on species, climate, humidity, and food, they will complete their life cycle in 3 – 8 weeks. You can read more about the biology of the house dust mite here.
What Do Dust Mites VS Bed Bugs Eat?
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are parasitic organisms that rely on the blood of mammals and birds to survive. Bed bugs cannot thrive forever without a proper meal! In laboratory studies, they can live for up to a year without blood, but that is under optimal conditions. But how long can bed bugs live without food? ⬅️ Read the full article to find out more.
Dust Mites
Dust mites feed on skin cells, animal dander, bacteria, and mold spores. Every day humans shed enough skin to provide one million dust mites with food.
There are many types of mites that bite, but dust mites usually only cause allergic reactions that can appear to look like a bite. Vacuuming on and around the bed frame, headboard, and couches will help minimize the dust mite population.
How Long Do Dust Mites vs Bed Bugs Live?
Bed Bugs
Generally, these pests live from 3 to 6 months; however, they have been known to last up to one full year! Bed bugs can survive for extended periods without consuming blood by staying still and conserving energy.
Dust Mites
Dust mites live for about 1-3 months; they will survive longer if the air is humid. Dust mites need to absorb water from the environment, so they will not last long in arid climates.
How Do Bed Bugs vs Dust Mites Travel?
Bed Bugs
Contrarily to fleas, bed bugs do not possess the ability to jump. Instead, these pests will travel by walking or easily attach themselves to our garments as a method of transportation. But do bed bugs jump? No, bed bugs do not have legs like fleas, so therefore, they cannot jump.
Dust Mites
Dust mites walk; like bed bugs, they do not jump or fly. Studies tell us that some species of dust mites do not like bright lights, and UV light exposure will kill them.
How Fast Do They Spread?
Bed Bugs
If you take proper precautions, bed bugs can spread slowly. Consequently, their capability of hitchhiking on our belongings or crawling around, they find their way to different places without us realizing it.
Dust Mites
The most common way that dust mites will spread is through fabric articles. Furthermore, if you borrow a piece of clothing from someone that’s been sitting in a dusty drawer under their bed, then there is a good chance that it’s infested with dust mites.
Depending on the species, the average life cycle of a dust mite is between 1-2 months. Therefore frequent washing and vacuuming will help break the life cycle.
The best way to reduce the spread of dust mites is to frequently wash all clothing and bed sheets, plus use an air purifier with a HEPA filter. For this reason, we love the COWAY air purifier; it captures tons of dust on the pre-filter.
Bites: Do Bed Bugs Bite?
Yes, bed bugs need a source of blood to survive and bite people, usually at night in their sleep. Bed bugs feed on human blood (as well as other mammals and birds), and on some people, they leave itchy bumps or red welts on the skin.
Bites: Do Dust Mites Bite?
Dust mites do not bite or penetrate our skin like bed bugs. However, they do thrive on our sloughed-off skin cells. Subsequently, vacuuming is imperative to avoid dust mites taking over your home. If you have no signs of bed bugs but have bites, you may have a dust mite allergy.
Are Bed Bugs or Dust Mites Nocturnal?
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are most lively during the night hours, and they prey on their unsuspecting victims while in a deep sleep.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are active all day and night. However, your symptoms might worsen at night if your mattress, bed frame, and box spring have a lot of dust. Use an encasement to help reduce the number of dust mites around your bed. The protective cover will not only help with dust mites but also help you monitor and prevent bed bugs.
- Zippered mattress cover stretches to fit any King (78” x 80”) standard mattress depth from 12" to 18"
- 100% Waterproof barrier on all six sides of mattress - Lab-tested
- Extra-soft polyester knit fabric is cool and comfortable - breathable waterproof membrane won't trap heat
- Can help improve sleep by reducing common substances that can reach the sleeper and disrupt respiratory function
- Machine washable - Tumble dry low - 5-Year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty
Treatment for Lice vs Bed Bugs
Bed Bugs
For comprehensive bed bug treatment, you should take every precaution possible. Additionally, precautions include using a high-heat dryer to sanitize all of your clothes and fabric items in the home, utilizing a vacuum cleaner with specialized filters for capturing bugs, and enlisting the assistance of an experienced pest control company specializing in treating these persistent pests.
Dust Mites
To get rid of dust mites, it’s essential to vacuum, wash fabrics, and use a steamer and an air purifier with a HEPA filter like the Coway.
- Coway Mighty (AP-1512HH) is designed to accommodate room sizes up to 361 sq. ft (CADR: Dust 246 / Pollen 240 / Smoke 233 cb. ft. ).
- 4 Stage Filtration System (Pre-filter, Deodorization filter, True HEPA filter, Vital Ion) captures and reduces up to 99. 97% of particles 0. 3 microns in the air, including pollen, pollutants and other allergens. It also reduces volatile organic compounds and reduces odor.
- Coway Mighty pollution sensor communicates indoor air quality in real-time. The brightly colored LED lets you know how clean or dirty your indoor air is every minute of the day. And it features a timer, and filter lifetime indicator.
- Fan speeds available in 1, 2, 3 stages by manually setting up. While auto mode automatically optimizes the speed setting 1 through 3 based on the level of indoor air quality. When no pollution is detected for 30 minutes, the fan will automatically stop and set as Eco mode to save energy.
- Timer feature allows the machine to run 1/4/8 hours before automatically powering off.
What Do Dust Mites Look Like On Beds?
Dust mites are microscopic, so you won’t be able to see them. They live in mattresses, upholstery, fabric-covered furniture, carpets, and bedding. When disturbed, they may leave behind a powdery residue that looks like dust when viewed under a microscope. The dust is the mite’s shed exoskeleton and can indicate a dust mite infestation.
How Do You Know Whether You Have Bed Bugs or Dust Mites?
If you have a lot of dust around your bed, then chances are you have dust mites. Regardless of your dust mite issue, you can also have bed bugs. Additionally, bed bugs leave behind telltale signs like droppings and shed skins. Here is an entire article dedicated to the early signs of bed bugs.
So while bed bugs can live in carpets, they are more likely to have a dust mite infestation.
Are Dust Mites and Bed Bugs the Same?
If you are wondering if mites are bed bugs, the answer is “no”; they are not the same thing. No, dust mites and bed bugs are entirely different creatures. Dust mites are in the Arachnid class and are a type of mite, whereas bed bugs are in the Cimicidae family.
Final Thoughts for Dust Mites vs Bed Bugs – What’s the Difference?
In conclusion, it’s important to be able to tell the difference between dust mites and bed bugs. Both can cause problems in your home, but they require different treatments. While it’s nothing to panic about if you have dust mites since they are in every house, they can become a problem if their numbers get out of control.
If you have a bed bug infestation, you must act quickly and call a professional for help. These two pests may look similar, but they couldn’t be more different – and knowing the difference can save you a lot of time, money, and worry.
