Bed Bug (Infestation Sign)
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- Adults are 4-5 mm long (about the size of an apple seed); eggs and nymphs are much smaller and translucent.
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, specifically cracks and crevices near human sleeping areas such as mattresses, bed frames, and upholstered furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, meaning 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 reddish-brown smears shown in the image are a common sign of infestation, caused by crushed bugs or fecal spotting (digested blood).
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy, red welts from bites, allergic reactions, secondary skin infections from scratching, and significant psychological distress or insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no ecological benefits to their presence in human dwellings.