
Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (adults), roughly the size of an apple seed.
Natural Habitat
Cracks and crevices near human sleeping areas, including mattresses, headboards, and luggage.
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous (blood-feeder), primarily targeting humans but also feeding on other warm-blooded animals.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal, hiding during the day and emerging at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (eggs, nymphs, and adults).
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. While not known to transmit diseases, they are significant domestic pests.