Bed bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 7 mm (0.16 to 0.28 inches) as adults; smaller as nymphs.
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically mattresses, bed frames, furniture seams, baseboards, and dark cracks/crevices near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophage, feeding primarily on human blood, though they may also feed on other warm-blooded animals.
Behavior Patterns
Strictly nocturnal parasites that hide during daylight hours in tight crevices. They are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide emitted by sleeping hosts. Females lay hundreds of eggs over their lifespan, undergoing incomplete metamorphosis (5 nymphal stages).
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Inflict itchy red bites that can cause secondary skin infections from scratching, allergic reactions, anxiety, and sleeplessness. Highly invasive household pest requiring professional pest management. Benefits: None to humans or indoor ecosystems.