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Bed Bug Species - Cimex Lectularius

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are native to the UK and Europe, and after WWII it was believed that up to 30% of all homes in the UK were infested with this parasite. These small insects should not be confused with dust mites, as bed bugs are visible to the naked eye and possess a distinct suite of identifying features.


Characterised by their resilience and adaptability, bed bugs have endured as a public health concern in both urban and rural environments. Bed bugs are primarily drawn to people by sensing our exhaled carbon dioxide and body heat, preferring to dwell near sleeping areas, hiding in bedding, furniture, and tiny crevices where they can feed undisturbed on exposed skin. While they can feed on other warm-blooded animals, such as pets, they have evolved to thrive near people due to the consistent proximity and ease of access to blood meals during the night.

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Understanding their biology, behaviour, and lifecycle is crucial for identifying a bed bug infestation early and taking effective measures to prevent their spread or recurrence. Consequently, recognising the signs of Cimex lectularius and knowing how they differ from other pests can help homeowners and property managers address problems quickly and effectively. Find out more about their appearance and lifecycle below.

Common Bed Bugs

(Cimex Lectularius)

Bed bugs lay 200 – 500 eggs over a 2-month period in batches of 10 to 50. These tiny, oval-shaped eggs are typically less than 1mm in length, making them difficult to spot without careful inspection. Female bed bugs use a sticky, transparent substance to attach these eggs securely to hidden surfaces such as mattress seams, headboards, and cracks in furniture. As the eggs mature, their colour gradually darkens, signalling the imminent emergence of bed bug nymphs. Early detection of these eggs is crucial for effective bed bug control, as swift intervention can disrupt the rapid growth of an infestation.

Bed bugs species (Cimex Lectularius) are native to the UK and Europe

Appearance

  • Bed bugs are around 4 to 5mm long.
  • Oval and flattened from back to underside with thick, well-developed legs.  Bed bugs do not have wings.
  • Their mouths are pointed for piercing and sucking.
  • Adult bed bugs are red to brown in colour.
  • Eggs are whitish-cream and darken slightly as they prepare to hatch.
  • Their shed skins are lighter brown and look like flaky exoskeletons.
Life cycle and habits of Bed Bugs

Lifecycle

  • Bed bugs lay 200 – 500 eggs over a 2 month period in batches of 10 to 50.
  • The eggs are attached to items of furniture or fittings in clusters by a transparent substance
  • There are 5 stages to the lifecycle from egg to fully grown adult which can be from 6 to 10 months
  • The typical life span of a bed bug is about 10 months.
  • They can survive for weeks to months without feeding.

Habits

  • Bedbugs feed on human blood and are attracted to body heat and CO2 from sleeping humans
  • They inject an anaesthetic when they pierce the skin, so the bite can go unnoticed at first
  • They are found in cracks and crevices, headboards, behind peeling wallpaper, broken plaster, light switches, under carpets and skirting boards etc. so they are near to people for feeding
  • Bed bugs are nocturnal and start feeding soon after sunset and before dawn
  • Bed bugs will feed during the day if conditions are favourable
  • When alarmed they move quickly and emit an odour
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Bed Bug Species FAQs

Understanding their biology, behaviour, and lifecycle is crucial for identifying a bed bug infestation early and taking effective measures to prevent their spread or recurrence. Consequently, recognising the signs of Cimex lectularius and knowing how they differ from other pests can help homeowners and property managers address problems quickly and effectively. Find out more about their appearance and lifecycle below.

  • What is the main cause of bed bugs?

    In the UK, bed bugs are primarily spread through travel and second-hand furniture. They are expert "hitchhikers," clinging to bags, luggage, clothing, or bedding. Contrary to popular belief, infestations are not caused by poor hygiene; bed bugs thrive in any environment where they have access to a human host for blood meals.

  • Can you see bed bug larvae?

    While you cannot see "larvae" (as bed bugs undergo incomplete metamorphosis), you can see “nymphs”. These are juvenile bed bugs that hatch from tiny, white, grain-like eggs. Nymphs are smaller versions of adults, appearing translucent or pale yellow before their first feeding, at which point they turn red/brown after consuming blood.

  • What other bugs can be mistaken for bed bugs?

    Several UK insects can be mistaken for bed bugs, most notably carpet beetles are mistaken for bed bugs, which have fuzzy larvae that cause skin irritation. Other common mistaken lookalikes include booklice (psocids), which thrive in damp areas, and tick nymphs. In older properties, bat bugs or bird mites may also appear, appearing nearly identical to bed bugs without professional magnification.

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