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 or near sleeping areas such as mattress seams, bed frames, and headboards
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagous (blood-feeding) on humans and sometimes other warm-blooded animals
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal; they emerge from hiding at night to feed and are attracted to heat and carbon dioxide. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy allergic reactions to bites, sleep deprivation, and psychological distress. While they do not transmit diseases, heavy infestations can lead to secondary skin infections from scratching.