Community identification
Bed bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera, Cimicidae
- Size
- 4-5 mm (unfed adult)
Natural Habitat
Primarily human dwellings (beds, mattresses, cracks in walls, furniture), hotel rooms, public transportation.
Diet & Feeding
Exclusively blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal feeders, hide in crevices during the day. Attracted to CO2 and body heat. Can live for several months without feeding. Females lay 1-5 eggs per day.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks: Itching and skin irritation from bites, secondary skin infections due to scratching, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress and sleep deprivation. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. No known benefits.