Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera (Order), Cimicidae (Family)
- Size
- 4-5 mm (adults), about the size of an apple seed.
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, especially mattresses, bed frames, furniture, and cracks in walls. They thrive in temperate climates.
Diet & Feeding
Exclusively blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Night feeders, usually biting humans while they are sleeping. They are known for their resilience and can survive for months without a blood meal. They often hide in cracks and crevices in beds, furniture, and walls during the day.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include itchy bites, skin rashes, allergic reactions, and secondary skin infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known direct benefits to humans or the ecosystem.