What are bedbugs called colloquially? - briefly
In everyday language they are called “bedbugs” or “bed bugs,” and people sometimes refer to them as “cimex” or “red bugs.”
What are bedbugs called colloquially? - in detail
Bedbugs belong to the species Cimex lectularius, a small, wingless insect that feeds on human blood. In everyday language people refer to them by several informal names.
- Bed bug – the most widespread term, used in news reports and consumer guides.
- Cimex – a shortened form of the scientific genus, occasionally heard among pest‑control professionals.
- Red bug – common in the United Kingdom, highlighting the insect’s reddish hue after feeding.
- Bed flea – a misnomer that persists in North America, despite bedbugs lacking the jumping ability of true fleas.
- Night crawler – used in some regions to emphasize nocturnal activity.
- Snooper – slang found in older American literature, referencing the insect’s habit of “snooping” in bedding.
Regional preferences shape usage. In Australia, “bed bug” dominates, while “red bug” appears in British tabloids. The term “bed flea” often surfaces in informal conversations, despite taxonomic inaccuracy, because of visual similarity to fleas. “Night crawler” and “snooper” are rare, appearing primarily in historical texts or localized dialects.
Media outlets and pest‑control advertisements typically adopt “bed bug” for clarity, whereas online forums may employ the slang variants. Understanding these colloquial labels aids communication between homeowners, professionals, and public‑health officials, ensuring accurate identification and treatment.