Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera, Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (adults), roughly the size of an apple seed.
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, primarily hiding in cracks, crevices, mattresses, and bed frames near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis with five nymphal stages, each requiring a blood meal to molt.
Risks & Benefits
Significant household pest. Risks include itchy welts, allergic reactions, secondary skin infections from scratching, and psychological distress/insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans.