Species guide

Bed bug

Can bite or sting

Cimex lectularius

Bed bug
Photo: Sarah Courchesne · CC BY

What does Bed bug look like?

A flat, oval, reddish-brown insect about the size of an apple seed (~5 mm), wingless. Bites often appear in small lines or clusters on exposed skin.

Is Bed bug dangerous?

Bites itch but are not known to transmit disease. The real problem is how hard infestations are to clear once established.

Commonly confused with

  • Young cockroaches: longer, with legs that show
  • Carpet beetles: rounder, patterned wing cases

What should I do about Bed bug?

Avoid spreading them on luggage or bedding, and get professional treatment — DIY rarely fully clears an infestation.

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