Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (adults), roughly the size of an apple seed.
Natural Habitat
Cracks and crevices in bedrooms, mattresses, bed frames, and furniture near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagy; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that emerge at night to feed. They are attracted to carbon dioxide and body heat. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).
Risks & Benefits
A significant public health pest. Bites can cause itchy red welts, allergic reactions, and secondary skin infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but cause significant psychological distress and financial loss.