Bug Identifier
Bed Bug
Community identification

Bed Bug

Cimex lectularius

Order & Family
Hemiptera / Cimicidae
Size
4-5 mm (adult)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Dwellings, especially beds, mattresses, and furniture. They prefer dark, hidden places close to their hosts.

Diet & Feeding

Exclusively blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal, hiding during the day and emerging at night to feed. They are attracted to carbon dioxide and body heat. They are known for leaving itchy bites arranged in lines or clusters.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include itchy bites, allergic reactions, secondary skin infections from scratching, and psychological distress. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known benefits to humans or the ecosystem.