Community identification
Bed bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera, Family Cimicidae
- Size
- Adults range from 4 to 5 millimeters in length, roughly the size of an apple seed.
Natural Habitat
Found exclusively indoors, primarily hiding in mattress seams, bed frames, cracks in furniture, and baseboards.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages that feed exclusively on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal insects that emerge at night to pierce skin, inject a mild anesthetic, and feed for several minutes before retreating to harborage.
Risks & Benefits
Bites cause itchy, red welts and allergic reactions, and infestations lead to severe psychological distress and sleep deprivation with no ecological benefits to humans.