Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm in length (about the size of an apple seed)
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically cracks and crevices in mattresses, bed frames, furniture, and behind baseboards.
Diet & Feeding
Obligatory hematophagous; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal, hiding during the day and emerging at night to feed. They go through five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal between each molt.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, psychological distress, and secondary skin infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but cause significant economic and social burden.