Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 5 to 7 mm in length (adults); smaller if in nymph stages.
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, particularly in mattresses, box springs, and cracks or crevices near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagy; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal; they emerge at night to feed and hide during the day. They go through five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt into the next stage.
Risks & Benefits
A significant household pest that causes itchy welts and psychological distress. While not known to transmit diseases, they can cause allergic reactions and secondary skin infections from scratching.