Bug Identifier
Bed Bug
Community identification

Bed Bug

Cimex lectularius

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

Natural Habitat

Found in human dwellings, typically hidden in mattress seams, bed frames, and cracks in furniture during the day.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive; they use carbon dioxide and body heat to locate hosts. They go through five nymphal stages before reaching adulthood, requiring a blood meal between each stage.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. While not known to transmit diseases, they are significant domestic pests. There are no ecological benefits to their presence in human environments.