Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 1mm (nymphs) to 5mm (adults)
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically cracks and crevices near sleeping areas (mattress seams, bed frames, headboards).
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they use heat and carbon dioxide to locate hosts, feed for 3-10 minutes, and then retreat to hide and digest.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy allergic reactions to bites, secondary skin infections from scratching, and significant psychological distress/insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans.