Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (adults), roughly the size of an apple seed.
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, primarily in mattresses, bed frames, and cracks near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagous, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal, hiding during the day and emerging at night to feed. They are attracted to heat and carbon dioxide. They do not fly but can crawl quickly.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin rashes, psychological distress, and potential allergic reactions. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no ecological benefits to their presence in human environments.