Community identification
Bed bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera, Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found in human dwellings, particularly inside mattresses, bed frames, furniture, and cracks in walls.
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous; feeds exclusively on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and highly secretive, hiding in dark crevices during the day and emerging at night to feed.
Risks & Benefits
Their bites can cause localized skin irritation, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress due to infestations; they provide no known ecological benefits to human environments.