01
Appearance
Adults are oval, wingless and reddish brown, usually 4–7 mm long. Nymphs are smaller and paler; recently fed bugs become darker and more elongated.
Pest library
Biting insect
Bed Bugs
Cimex lectularius / Cimex hemipterus
Flat, nocturnal insects that feed on blood and spread mainly by hitchhiking in luggage, furniture and personal belongings.
02
Behavior
They shelter close to resting hosts in mattress seams, bed frames, furniture, skirting and cracks. They are not associated with poor hygiene and can occur in any well-used sleeping space.
03
Diet & habits
Bed bugs feed only on blood, primarily from people but sometimes from other warm-blooded hosts. They can survive for extended periods without feeding.
04
Reproduction
Females lay small pearly eggs in protected harbourages. Development passes through five nymphal stages, each generally requiring a blood meal before moulting.
05
Signs of an infestation
Live bugs, pale eggs, shed skins, dark faecal spots, small blood marks on bedding and clustered itchy bites—although skin reactions alone do not confirm an infestation.
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Health & property significance
They are not known to be efficient disease vectors, but bites may cause irritation, secondary infection and substantial sleep loss, stress and social stigma.
Prevention
Reduce the conditions that help pests thrive.
Inspect beds and luggage when travelling
Avoid bringing unchecked furniture indoors
Reduce cracks and unnecessary clutter
Seek trained treatment—do not rely on sprays alone
Professional support
Seeing signs of bed bugs activity?
Arrange a site-specific assessment with PCAMB.