
Community identification
Bed Bug (Crushed)
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera; Family Cimicidae
- Size
- 1mm to 7mm depending on life stage and feeding status
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically cracks and crevices near sleeping areas such as mattresses, bed frames, and headboards
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymphal stages, adult) and require a blood meal to molt to the next stage
Risks & Benefits
Significant household pest. They cause itchy welts, psychological distress, and potential secondary skin infections from scratching; however, they are not known vectors for disease transmission