Bug Identifier
Bed Bug
Community identification

Bed Bug

Cimex lectularius

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

Natural Habitat

Cracks and crevices in human dwellings, typically near sleeping areas such as mattresses, bed frames, and headboards.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal pests that emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and can survive for months without a blood meal.

Risks & Benefits

While they are not known to transmit diseases, their bites cause itching, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress. They are difficult to eradicate once established.