
Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- Adults are approximately 4 to 5 mm (about 1/8 to 3/16 inch) long; they appear larger and redder after a blood meal.
Natural Habitat
Primarily found in cracks and crevices within human dwellings, particularly in and around beds, mattresses, and furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal feeders that hide during the day. They go through five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt between each stage. They are known for hitchhiking on luggage or clothing to spread.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include causing itchy, irritating bites and allergic reactions in some individuals. They can cause significant psychological distress and sleep deprivation. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans.