Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera (true bugs), Cimicidae
- Size
- Adults are typically 4-5 mm (0.16-0.20 inches) long, nymphs are smaller.
Natural Habitat
Commonly found in human dwellings, especially in beds, mattresses, bed frames, furniture, cracks in walls, and other dark crevices.
Diet & Feeding
Exclusively hematophagous, feeding on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. They typically feed at night while hosts are sleeping.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal, hiding during the day and emerging to feed at night. They are attracted to carbon dioxide and warmth. They do not fly or jump but can crawl quickly. Females lay 1-5 eggs per day, adhering them to surfaces. Infestations can grow rapidly if not managed.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include itchy red welts from bites, allergic reactions in some individuals, and secondary skin infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known direct benefits to humans or ecosystems, but they are a nuisance pest.