
Community identification
Bed Bug (Fecal Staining)
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- Individual adults are 4–5 mm; however, fecal spots as shown are typically 1–2 mm dots that smear or cluster.
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, primarily in cracks and crevices near human sleeping areas such as mattresses, bed frames, and baseboards.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. The spotting shown is digested blood excreted after feeding, often found along travel paths or harborage sites.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. While they do not known to transmit diseases, heavy infestations can cause anemia. There are no ecological benefits to humans.