
Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera, Family Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (adults), roughly the size of an apple seed.
Natural Habitat
Found globally in human dwellings, typically hiding in cracks, crevices, mattress seams, and bed frames near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they emerge at night to feed and can survive for months without a blood meal. They reproduce rapidly, with females laying several eggs per day.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy allergic reactions to bites, sleep deprivation, and psychological distress. While not known to transmit diseases, they are persistent indoor pests. There are no known benefits to the ecosystem or humans.