Bedbugs are small, brownish, flattened insects that feed solely on the blood of animals. Bedbugs are not considered to be vectors of any diseases. A bedbug infestation is not a sign of poor housekeeping but can happen to anyone.
The common bedbug, Cimex lectularius, is the species most often associated with human bedbug infestations. It is a cosmopolitan species, found in temperate climates worldwide. The name “bedbug” derives from the preferred habitat of Cimex lectularius: warm houses and especially near or inside beds or other sleep areas. Bedbugs are mainly active at night but are not exclusively nocturnal and will feed during the day if given the opportunity. They typically bite people while they are sleeping in their beds; however bites can occur anywhere on the body including on hair-covered areas such as arms, legs or neck Bedbugs have been shown to be able to go without feeding for 20-400 days depending on temperature which makes them very difficult to eliminate once established in an environment..
Cimex lectularius adults grow to 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) long and 1.5–3 mm (0.059–0.118 in) wide when fully fed; nymphs (immatures) may be as small as 2 mm (0