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COMMON BEDBUG 
(Cimex lectularius)
General Characteristics:
- Found on all continents except Antarctica
- Mahogany to rusty brown in colour (turns red after a blood meal)
- Flattened and oval shaped body (becomes more round after feeding)
- Adult size is approximately 1/5-1/4 inches long and 1/8 inches wide
- Body appears shiny but is covered with tiny hairs
- Possesses piercing/sucking mouthparts
- May feed on any warm-blooded animal but primarily feeds on humans
- Although thought to transmit disease, clear evidence of this has not been verified, but bites may cause welts or irritation in certain individuals
- Primarily feeds at night but daytime feeding will occur if hungry
- Prefers dry, rough areas for dwelling
- Adults can go one year without feeding and survive in an unheated structure through the winter
Reproduction:
- Males can mate with one or more females multiple times daily
- Males that have not fed in more than two weeks do not mate
- Males puncture female's body wall and inject sperm into her abdomen
- Eggs are elongated, asymmetrical and possess pink spots
- Females lay about 2 eggs per day until about 200 are laid
- At room temperature eggs will hatch in 6-17 days
- Nymph has the general shape of the adult but is colourless and will fully mature after 5 instars
Signs of Infestation:
- Emits a distinct odour from glands on thorax
- Lives and nests in a variety of harbourage areas including furniture, protected areas, cracks, gaps in structures, electrical fixtures, etc…
- May travel by wandering into suitcases, boxes, shoes, etc…
- Wandering insects may be observed
- Evidence of adults feces may be evident on bed sheets or other materials (blood spots)
- Biting/Feeding will occur on human bodies sometimes leaving welts or irritation
temperatures can force this species into structure
Control Techniques:
- Bedbugs are difficult to deal with and a professional should be contacted at all times to assess and treat infestations
- Physical removal and proper disposal of infested materials (beds, sheets, curtains, furniture) may be necessary
- Sealing all crevices will reduce harbourage areas and inhibit further breeding
- Chemical treatments may be necessary as determined by a professional
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