Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- 1 to 7 millimeters (about the size of an apple seed)
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically beds, furniture, and cracks/crevices near sleeping areas
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages (blood feeders), primarily consuming human blood
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They are attracted by warmth and carbon dioxide.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. While not known to transmit diseases, they are difficult and expensive to eradicate.