
Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera; Family Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm in length (adults); smaller and translucent as nymphs.
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically in cracks and crevices, mattress seams, bed frames, and furniture near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Mainly nocturnal; they emerge at night to feed and hide during the day. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to molt to the next stage.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress/insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but are significant household pests. No known ecosystem benefits in human environments.