Types of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs appear flat and oval-shaped, between 1/4 inch and 5/8 inch long, They resemble a small seed. The bugs are typically brown; however they appear red and swollen just after feeding.

Young bed bugs, known as nymphs, have a light gray exoskeleton that appears to be nearly colorless. Bed bug eggs are so small, about the size of a speck of dust, that they are almost impossible to identify with the naked eye.

Common Bed Bugs

Household bed bugs, or Cimex lectularius, are the most notorious type of bed bug. Though typically found in temperate climates, common bed bugs are found worldwide. The name “bed bug” comes from the parasite’s habit of hiding in crevices, particularly in soft surfaces such as mattresses and bed linens. Bed bugs feed primarily on humans, though they will feed on other animals, during the night.

Bed bugs live four to six months, with a mature female laying about 500 eggs over the course of her lifetime. Eliminating an infestation requires the use of pesticides, a thorough cleaning of the infested area and the removal of unneeded and/or heavily infested materials from the home.

In warmer regions, the common bed bug is often replaced by the tropical bed bug (Cimex hemipterus), which is better acclimated to the tropical climate.

Bat Bugs

Bat bugs, scientifically categorized as Cimex pilosellus or Leptocimex boueti, occur in areas where bats commonly roost, including buildings and homes where bats are or recently have been present. They must feed on bats to survive, but occasionally feed on a human host. This usually occurs after bats have migrated from the area.

Swallow and Chimney Swift Bugs

Swallow bugs and chimney swift bugs feed primarily on the birds from which they’ve received their respective names. Since they usually live within the birds’ nests, the bugs are only present in areas where swallows and chimney swifts settle, following the same seasonal patterns. Incidents in which humans are bitten usually occur during the time of year when the birds migrate into the area, causing the bugs to come out of their dormant state.

Poultry Bugs

The poultry bug (Haematosiphon inodorus), sometimes referred to as the Mexican chicken bug lives in the crevices of pens, fences and farmhouse structures. They feed on chicken and other domestic foul. Humans may be bitten by these bugs if they spend time around poultry, particularly at night when the bugs are most active.