Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm in length, equivalent to the size of an apple seed.
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically in cracks and crevices near sleeping areas such as mattresses, bed frames, and furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to molt at each stage.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy allergic reactions to bites, secondary skin infections from scratching, and significant psychological distress or insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no ecological benefits to their presence in human environments.