Bug Identifier
Bed Bug
Community identification

Bed Bug

Cimex lectularius

Order & Family
Order Hemiptera, Family Cimicidae
Size
4 to 5 mm (adults), roughly the size of an apple seed.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found globally in human dwellings, typically hiding in cracks, crevices, mattress seams, and bed frames 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 emerge at night to feed and can survive for months without a blood meal. They reproduce rapidly, with females laying several eggs per day.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy allergic reactions to bites, sleep deprivation, and psychological distress. While not known to transmit diseases, they are persistent indoor pests. There are no known benefits to the ecosystem or humans.