
Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- Approximately 1 mm (nymph) to 5 mm (adult)
Natural Habitat
Found globally; specifically in human dwellings, typically in mattress seams, bed frames, cracks, and crevices near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Mainly nocturnal; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to progress to each instar.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can cause itchy welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. They do not knownly transmit diseases to humans but are a major nuisance pest. Benefits: None.