
Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera; Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm long (about the size of an apple seed)
Natural Habitat
Cracks and crevices near human sleeping areas, such as mattresses, bed frames, and baseboards
Diet & Feeding
Blood from humans or warm-blooded animals
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that hide during the day and emerge at night to feed; they undergo incomplete metamorphosis from egg to adult
Risks & Benefits
While not known to transmit diseases, their bites cause itching, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress and sleep loss