Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera, Family Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (adults), about the size of an apple seed.
Natural Habitat
Primarily human dwellings, hiding in mattress seams, bed frames, and cracks in furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous (blood-feeding), primarily feeding on human blood during the night.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal insects that remain hidden during the day and are attracted to the carbon dioxide and warmth of hosts at night.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risk of allergic reactions to bites and secondary skin infections; they cause significant psychological distress and financial burden for eradication.