Question

Underside of bug  

Top of bug   I was walking up the steps and saw this bug on a towel I had in the hallway.  It was very difficult to kill.  I travel for work frequently and am terrified of bring home bedbugs and need to know what it is please! I think it is either a beetle or a begbug.

Any help you can provide would be very appreciated.

Answer
Stephanie,

This is a beetle, definitely not a bed bug. See http://www.livingwithbugs.com/bed_bug.html for a picture of a bud bug.

Unfortunately there been so much media hype about bed bugs that the many people like yourself are overly concerned. It is very unlikely that you will encounter bed bugs and even less likely that you would bring them home following a business trip. However, if you are concerned about cleaning personal items see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/bed_bug_cleaning.html. Keep in mind that bed bug bites are not a serious medical issue and despite what many in the industry would like you to believe they are not difficult to control. Infestations in homes are very rare.

Jack DeAngelis