Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera, Cimicidae
- Size
- 4-5 mm (adult)
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically beds, furniture, and cracks/crevices near sleeping areas
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagous (blood-feeding) on humans and other warm-blooded animals
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).
Risks & Benefits
No major diseases are known to be transmitted, but bites cause itching, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. They are major household pests with no ecological benefits in human environments.