what kind of bug is this?.....

[debm]

OK--this is really grossing me out. I have found some bugs on our pillows when I'm crawling into bed at night. They are NOT bedbugs, NOT fleas, NOT ticks, NOT lice. We do have 3 dogs and they often sleep on the bed--so I think they are coming from them. The dogs are bathed, groomed, house is clean---well, as good as it can be with 4 kids! The bugs do NOT bite. They are actually quite friendly! They are about 1/4 inch long, skinny, flat, hard to squash because they are so flat. I have found about a dozen in the past month. It is really freaking me out!! I just want to know what they are and of course where they are coming from. I don't find them anywhere else in the house. Maybe it is just because they are easy to see on our white sheets but I would think we would see them elsewhere. We have no bites, dogs have no sign of anything, etc. It's basically like they could stay and not bother us--but I dont want them!!!

So if anyone has any ideas. I have searched and searched on the internet and can't find anything. We have a pest service that sprays the perimeter of our house and also the yard---guess I could ask them but it is usually some young kid that comes---probably wouldn't have a clue. TIA if anyone has some idea....

 

[Feralpeg]

If you were in Florida, I'd say it was an earwig. I don't know if they exist in Illinois.

 

[DonnaLeah]

Since you have and exterminator, I guess it's not termites?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I either need a pic and some more info. How about trap one and then describe it. What color is it, where are the legs attached, what does it's head look like?

Here is an earwig..
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/bugreview/earwigs.html

 

[we3disneygo]

it's been a bad year for the earwig's in Central IL.

 

[SillyMe]

Yikes, I got pinched by one of those earwigs when I was young. Those suckers hurt.

 

[hiwaygal]

1/4 inch long sounds kinda short for an earwig...perhaps a silverfish?

Silverfish Photograph by: J.L. Castner, University of Florida


Silverfish Appearance

Silverfish is about 1/2 inch long, with a uniform silvery color over the upper surface. Their bodies are long and slender, flattened. The bodies are broad at the front, and gradually tapering toward the rear. They can be found almost anywhere, but prefer damp, moderate temperature places such as basements, laundry rooms, and under sinks.

 

[BeNJeNWaFFLe]

Do they have a hard body? Are they attracted to the light (and because of the hard body they "click" when they hit the light)? I get these types of bugs in my house during the summer. They come in because it's cool in the house with the AC on. They don't bite. They are just plainly annoying. We too have had exterminators and they always come back.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

1/4 inch long sounds kinda short for an earwig...perhaps a silverfish?

I was going to say that but she said hard to crush. Silverfish smash with just a touch of your finger, if you can catch them.

 

[dcgrumpy]

Do they have a hard body? Are they attracted to the light (and because of the hard body they "click" when they hit the light)? I get these types of bugs in my house during the summer. They come in because it's cool in the house with the AC on. They don't bite. They are just plainly annoying. We too have had exterminators and they always come back.

i was going to say the same thing, we get them too. I don't what they're called. They seem to "play dead", they lay there on their back and then if you go to pick it up it jumps. I just vacuum them up now.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

i was going to say the same thing, we get them too. I don't what they're called. They seem to "play dead", they lay there on their back and then if you go to pick it up it jumps. I just vacuum them up now.

Those are called "Click Beetles", I think.
http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/entomology/factsheets/clickbee.html

 

[dcgrumpy]

Those are called "Click Beetles", I think.
http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/entomology/factsheets/clickbee.html

How obvious LOL


I did a search of click bugs but couldn't find it.

 

[BeNJeNWaFFLe]

Those are called "Click Beetles", I think.
http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/entomology/factsheets/clickbee.html

Sorry if this thread couldn't help the OP but it has helped me! Now I know what to call these annoying bugs. I guess it may be time for some new screens.

 

[debm]

Glad I could help someone!! No, they aren't earwigs or click beetles or silverfish. I WILL take a picture and post it in hopes someone can tell me. I keep thinking there must be a source somewhere that they are coming from---yet, there are not too many of them. And they aren't "scary" looking. I mean, if I saw one of those bugs with pinchers. Yikes!! I'll get a picture next time I see one in hopes to solve this mystery!

 

[BedKnobbery2]

As far as where they are coming from, have you checked under your bed or under your mattress (between the mattress & box spring) or in the box spring? I would think the source has to be directly related to the bed since that is the only place you find them. Or perhaps in the pillows themselves? I could see that happening if the pillows are made of natural materials. Wherever they are coming from, I hope you find a resolution soon!

 

[paigevz]

www.bugsaregone.com/bugs

Try this address. It's an exterminator site, but they have pics of common household bugs. Many come in from outside, so your dogs may be getting them on their fur and bringing them in.