Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera, Family Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (about the size of an apple seed)
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically in bed frames, mattresses, and cracks and crevices near sleeping areas
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages (blood-feeders), primarily feeding on human blood during the night
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and are attracted to the carbon dioxide and warmth produced by sleeping hosts. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis with five nymphal stages.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin rashes, psychological distress, and potential allergic reactions; they are not known to transmit diseases to humans but cause significant domestic infestation issues.