Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- Adults are approximately 4 to 5 mm (about the size of an apple seed).
Natural Habitat
Found indoors in cracks and crevices, typically near sleeping areas like mattresses, bed frames, and headboards.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagous, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Mainly nocturnal; they emerge from hiding at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to progress through each growth stage.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. While they provide no known ecological benefits in human environments, they are not currently known to transmit diseases to humans.