Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- Adults are typically 4-5 mm long; nymphs range from 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm.
Natural Habitat
Found worldwide in human dwellings, especially in cracks and crevices in and around beds, mattresses, headboards, and other furniture near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous, feeding exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, with a strong preference for humans.
Behavior Patterns
Primarily nocturnal, hiding in crevices during the day and emerging at night to feed on sleeping hosts. They are attracted by warmth and carbon dioxide. The life cycle consists of an egg, five nymphal stages, and the adult stage, with a blood meal required for molting between stages.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Bites cause itchy, red welts on the skin, which can lead to secondary skin infections, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress, including anxiety and insomnia. Benefits: None; they are considered a significant pest and are not known to transmit diseases to humans.