Bed bugs are parasitic insects of the cimicid family that feed exclusively on blood. Cimex lectularius. source
Bed bugs are parasitic insects of the cimicid family that feed exclusively on blood. Cimex lectularius.
The common bed bug, is the best known as it prefers to feed on human blood. source
The common bed bug, is the best known as it prefers to feed on human blood.
The name bed bug derives from the preferred habitat of Cimex lectularius: warm houses and especially near or inside beds and bedding or other sleep areas. source
The name bed bug derives from the preferred habitat of Cimex lectularius: warm houses and especially near or inside beds and bedding or other sleep areas.
Bed bugs are mainly active at night, but are not exclusively nocturnal. source
Bed bugs are mainly active at night, but are not exclusively nocturnal.
Bed bugs usually feed on their hosts without being noticed. source
Bed bugs usually feed on their hosts without being noticed.
Bed bugs have been known as human parasites for thousands of years. source
Bed bugs have been known as human parasites for thousands of years.
Diagnosis of an infestation involves both finding bed bugs and the occurrence of compatible symptoms. source
Diagnosis of an infestation involves both finding bed bugs and the occurrence of compatible symptoms.
Bed bug bites or cimicosis may lead to a range of skin manifestations from no visible effects to prominent blisters. source
Bed bug bites or cimicosis may lead to a range of skin manifestations from no visible effects to prominent blisters.
Although bed bugs can be infected with at least 28 human pathogens, no studies have found that the insects are capable of transmitting any of these to humans. source
Although bed bugs can be infected with at least 28 human pathogens, no studies have found that the insects are capable of transmitting any of these to humans.
Adult bed bugs are light brown to reddish-brown, flattened, oval-shaped, and have no hind wings. source
Adult bed bugs are light brown to reddish-brown, flattened, oval-shaped, and have no hind wings.
Bed bugs have segmented abdomens with microscopic hairs that give them a banded appearance. source
Bed bugs have segmented abdomens with microscopic hairs that give them a banded appearance.
Adults of Bed bugs grow to 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) long and 1.5–3 mm (0.059–0.118 in) wide. source
Adults of Bed bugs grow to 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) long and 1.5–3 mm (0.059–0.118 in) wide.
The lifespan of bed bugs varies by species and is also dependent on feeding. source
The lifespan of bed bugs varies by species and is also dependent on feeding.
Bed bugs can survive a wide range of temperatures and atmospheric compositions. source
Bed bugs can survive a wide range of temperatures and atmospheric compositions.
Bed bugs are obligatory hematophagous (bloodsucking) insects. source
Bed bugs are obligatory hematophagous (bloodsucking) insects.
A bed bug pierces the skin of its host with a stylet fascicle, rostrum, or "beak". source
A bed bug pierces the skin of its host with a stylet fascicle, rostrum, or "beak".