Bug Identifier
Bed Bug
Community identification

Bed Bug

Cimex lectularius

Order & Family
Hemiptera: Cimicidae
Size
1 to 7 millimeters (about the size of an apple seed)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, primarily in cracks and crevices near sleeping areas (beds, sofas, headboards, electrical outlets, peeling wallpaper)

Diet & Feeding

Hematophagous (feeds exclusively on blood, primarily human blood, usually at night)

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive, they aggregate in hidden harborages during daylight. They detect hosts via carbon dioxide and warmth, feeding for 3-10 minutes before retreating.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Bites can cause allergic skin reactions (itchy welts), anxiety, insomnia, and secondary infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit disease but are a significant nuisance. Benefits: None known to humans or domestic environments.