Community identification
Bed bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 mm to 7 mm (about the size of an apple seed)
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically in cracks and crevices, beds, furniture, and wallpaper near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagous, meaning 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. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, anxiety, and insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but cause significant distress and are difficult to eradicate.