Bug Identifier
Common Bed Bug
Community identification

Common Bed Bug

Cimex lectularius

Order & Family
Order Hemiptera, Family Cimicidae
Size
Approximately 4–5 mm long (about the size of an apple seed) when fully grown.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found globally in human dwellings, typically nesting in cracks, crevices, mattress seams, bed frames, and furniture near sleeping areas.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive. They are attracted to heat and carbon dioxide. They undergo hemimetabolous metamorphosis, passing through five nymphal stages, each requiring a blood meal to molt.

Risks & Benefits

They are a significant public health pest. While not known to transmit diseases, their bites can cause allergic reactions, skin rashes, and psychological distress including insomnia and anxiety. They have no known ecological benefits in domestic environments.