Bug Identifier
Bed Bug (Fecal Staining)
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.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.