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Bed Bugs
- Latin Name: Cimex pilosellus
- Latin Family Name: Cimicidae
- Common Name: Bat Bug
- Other Names: Western bat bug
Origin:
Native to North America, and found from British Columbia south into California, and east into the Rocky Mountains.
Biology:
As the name implies this bug is associated with bats in structures or other roosting areas. They appear not to be particularly inclined to feed on humans, but they can be a concern if their numbers are high and they invade human activity areas.
Identification:
Bed bugs in general are wingless insects with an extremely flattened body from top to bottom, except when they are engorged with blood. They have a large, round abdomen, long 4-segmented antennae, and a small prothorax that flares to the sides. Their mouth is a short, 3-segmented proboscis that is held below
- Latin Name: Cimex lectularius
- Latin Family Name: Cimicidae
- Common Name: Common Bed Bug
- Other Names: Chintzes, chinches, mahogany flats, red coats, crimson ramblers
Origin:
It is believed that this bug originally evolved with bats living in caves in the Middle East, but in the United States it appears now to be wholly a human pest. It has been associated with humans for thousands of years.
Biology:
While this species is not associated with the spread of any diseases, its bite can have a serious effect on people who are sensitive to its saliva, and swelling and severe itching or other immune system reactions may be common. The bite itself is generally painless. The Human bed bug is nocturnal, feeding only at night when people are asleep. During the daylight hours it hides in any available crack or hole in the immediate area. The
- Latin Name: Oeciacus vicarius
- Latin Family Name: Cimicidae
- Common Name: Swallow Bug
- Other Names: American barn swallow bug
Origin:
Possibly native to North America, and an extremely common pest in association with swallows and their nests.
Biology:
Swallow bugs are found commonly in barn and cliff swallow nests, but readily invade the structures and bite humans as well. This may be particularly common following the departure of the birds, leaving the insects no other food source nearby. The bugs breed throughout the summer, building up large populations by the end of summer and early fall when the birds depart. They are not incriminated as vectors of any diseases to humans, but their bite is known to cause minor to serious reactions on humans. These bugs may survive up to 3 years in swallow nests without feeding, and their feeding
- Latin Name: Cimex hemipterus
- Latin Family Name: Cimicidae
- Common Name: Tropical Bed Bug
- Other Names: N/A
Origin:
Possibly from Africa or Asia, but found occasionally in the United States as a parasite of humans or bats. It appears to be most common in Florida, preferring to live in warm, humid climates.
Biology:
This is an uncommon species, but may prefer humans as a food source when it is present. It also has been found in association with bats in structures.
Identification:
Bed bugs in general are wingless insects with an extremely flattened body from top to bottom, except when they are engorged with blood. They have a large, round abdomen, long 4-segmented antennae, and a small prothorax that flares to the sides. Their mouth is a short, 3-segmented proboscis that is held below the body when at rest.