Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 1 to 7 millimeters (about the size of an apple seed when adult).
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, primarily in seams of mattresses, bed frames, and cracks or crevices near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Mainly nocturnal; they emerge at night to feed and hide during the day. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to molt.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress/insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no ecological benefits to humans; they are considered significant household pests.