Community identification
Bed bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4-5 mm (about the size of an apple seed)
Natural Habitat
Found in human dwellings, typically in cracks and crevices, bed frames, mattresses, and furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagous (feeds exclusively on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals).
Behavior Patterns
Mainly nocturnal; 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. While they do not typically transmit diseases, they are significant domestic pests.