You might have often seen a brownish-reddish insect crawling on your bed at times, but you can’t tell what it is. You might often think of it as a bed bug. Instead, it is a baby roach. At some point in their life cycle, both creatures look the same. Also, several other insects look like bed bugs.
In this article, we will learn some differences between a baby roach and a bed bug to understand if it really is a cockroach and take necessary precautions at the earliest.
What is a Bed Bug?
Bed bugs are reddish-brown and have a flattened oval shape, usually the size of a poppy seed. The baby bed bugs are lighter in color and look similar to the size of an adult. They have a winglike structure, but do not fly.
What is a Baby Roach?
Baby cockroaches are often called nymphs. Their size may vary depending on the species. They undergo a process called molting (shedding of skin) before becoming adult cockroaches. This is because they have hardened exoskeletons and must molt to grow.
After molting, their bodies are soft and grayish in color until a new exoskeleton hardens. The molts are sometimes called instars, and depending on the species, they might undergo 5 to 10 molting processes, which might take 6 weeks to one year.
Difference Between a Baby Roach and a Bed Bug
At a particular age, both cockroaches and bed bugs look similar. However, there are some differences between the two that distinguish them from one another. Read below to know more differences.
Here’s the difference between a baby roach and a bed bug in a nutshell –
| Point of Difference | Baby Roach | Bed Bug |
| Size | Their length varies depending on the stage of growing | Usually ¼ inch |
| Bite | They rarely bite. | Yes. Their bites are often dangerous. |
| Shape | They are cylindrical in shape | They are oval-shaped |
| Coloration | They change color quite a few times – white (after hatching and sheddingReddish-Brown (after they shed for the last time and become an adult) | They are always reddish brown in color. |
| Antennae | They have antennae almost as long as their body | They have short antennae, which is half the length of their body |
| Wings | They have wings, but at the late nymph stage | No |
| Eyes | The eyes appears to run from top to bottom of the face which looks like a black mark. | Protruding eyes from the side to head |
| Hiding Spots | Warm and moist environment such as drainage, kitchen, and bathroom | Anywhere – on clothes, wardrobe, beds, mattresses, etc. |
8 Key Differences Between a Baby Roach and Bed Bug
Usually, a nymph and a bed bug are distinguished based on their size, color, and antennae. Nymphs are equal in size but tend to grow slightly larger than bugs in a short period of time. Below we have mentioned all the differences in detail. Let’s have a look at them.
Baby Roach vs. Bed Bug – Their Size
Nymphs are bigger in size – they are about ¼ inch to ½ inch in length and will grow up to 2 inches long – which is far larger than a bed bug. On the other hand, bugs grow up to ¼ inch long only as an adult. So, you can easily find out the difference between the two by seeing their size.
Baby Roach vs. Bed Bug – Do They Bite?
Bed bugs tend to bite, and it usually causes inflammation, itching, and rashes. Some bed bug bites might also require medical attention. Whereas the nymphs only bite when they feel threatened or need food. But as we know, cockroaches live in kitchens, near drainage systems, and other areas where food is easily available – they do not come into contact with humans much. Hence, we can conclude that cockroaches rarely bite people.
Baby Roach vs. Bed Bug – Shape
Baby roaches are cylindrical in shape – slightly elongated. Whereas bed bugs are flattened and have oval-shaped bodies. Their shape is the best way to distinguish between the two.
Baby Roach vs. Bed Bug – Antennae
Talking about their antennae – a baby roach has antennae the same length as its body, while a bed bug has relatively short antennae, which are much longer than a cockroach’s antennae.
Baby Roach vs. Bed Bug – Color
Baby roaches are usually white in color after they hatch and start developing brownish color as they grow. After they molt, their color changes to white again – this process continues until they are at the last stage of nymph and become adults. A bed bug is usually reddish brown throughout its life. So, if you ever see these creatures, you can quickly identify them if they are baby roaches or bed bugs.
Baby Roach vs. Bed Bug – Eyes
Bed bugs usually have protruded eyes that pop up over their head from the sides. While a baby roach has large black eyes that do not stick out. Instead, they have elongated eyes that stretch from the top of their head to the bottom.
Baby Roach vs. Bed Bug – Wings
Baby roaches do not develop wings until they are in their mid-adult stage. However, they are quite apparent after a few weeks of molting. A bed bug does not have wings like an adult or a nymph. So, a baby roach can fly when it grows up, and a bed bug, even as an adult, cannot fly.
Baby Roach vs. Bed Bug – Hiding Spots
Baby roaches, even as adults, love living in moist and damp spaces and have easier access to food. They love invading the kitchen, dustbins, sinks, and countertops. As the name suggests, bed bugs love to stay on fabrics, beds, furniture, cupboards, etc. As bed bugs feed on human blood, they do not attack food.
Wrapping up!
A baby roach and a bed bug might look similar to you at times – like when they both are reddish-brown in color. However, if you take a close look at them, you’ll find differences by looking at their antennae, size, and place of hiding. Now that you are familiar with these details get rid of these pests before they cause much trouble in your home. Also, share this with your friends and family to make them aware so that they can take necessary precautions.
