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

Inhabits human dwellings, specifically cracks and crevices in mattresses, bed frames, furniture, and wall junctions.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal insects that emerge from hiding during the night to feed. They go through five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal between each molt, and can survive several months without feeding.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include red, itchy welts and psychological distress from infestations; some individuals may experience severe allergic reactions. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but are significant household pests.