Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 millimeters in length (about the size of an apple seed).
Natural Habitat
Cracks and crevices near human sleeping areas, such as mattress seams, bed frames, and behind wallpaper.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they 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, and psychological distress. They are not known to transmit diseases but are significant urban pests.