Bug Identifier
Bed Bug
Community identification

Bed Bug

Cimex lectularius

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

Natural Habitat

Bed bugs are typically found in human dwellings, especially in mattresses, bed frames, headboards, and cracks in walls. They prefer dark, secluded areas close to their human hosts.

Diet & Feeding

Exclusively blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.

Behavior Patterns

Bed bugs are nocturnal, feeding on blood primarily at night. They hide in cracks and crevices during the day, emerging when a host is available. They are highly resilient and can survive for several months without feeding.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy red bites, allergic reactions, and secondary skin infections from scratching. They do not transmit diseases to humans. There are no known benefits of bed bugs to humans or the ecosystem.