
Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (adult size)
Natural Habitat
Commonly found in residential and hospitality environments, specifically in mattress seams, bed frames, and furniture crevices.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagy; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. Bites often appear in a linear or clustered pattern known as 'breakfast, lunch, and dinner'.
Risks & Benefits
While not known to transmit diseases, their bites cause intense itching, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress; they are considered a major urban pest.