Knowledgebase

Is this a bed bug? #890918

Asked December 18, 2024, 9:21 PM EST

I've been getting unknown bites on my ankles for about 2 months. They appear in clusters or a line of several (often more than 3 in a single line). I recently found a bug on myself early in the morning after walking to the restroom. I've included pictures of the bug. At first, i assumed it was fleas, but both of my dogs were tested and no fleas were identified. I am fearing bed bugs, but I have turned my mattress inside out and see no signs. The bug did not appear to be a bed bug, but I'd like a professional opinion. Keep in mind, these photos were taken after I unsuccessfully tried to crush the bug. It was impossible to crush. Hopefully I didn't distort the appearance.

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Good Morning Bradley, 

Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service. 

We are volunteer Extension Master Gardeners who answer yard and garden questions online. I am not a specialist in insect identification.   I used my insect identification app on the photos you submitted. One said it was a dog flea and the other was a fruit fly. 

I searched a bug website for photos of a bedbug: https://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=bed+bugs&search=Search

Good Luck!

Maureen Graber Replied December 19, 2024, 8:26 AM EST

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