
Community identification
Potential Bed Bug Bites
Cimex lectularius (suspected source)
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera, Family Cimicidae
- Size
- The insects themselves are 1 to 7 millimeters; the bite reactions appear as small red welts.
Natural Habitat
Commonly found in residential dwellings, particularly in areas where people sleep, such as mattresses, bed frames, and furniture crevices.
Diet & Feeding
Bed bugs are obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Bed bugs are nocturnal pests that hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. Their bites often appear in clusters or a line, commonly referred to as breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Risks & Benefits
While they are not known to transmit diseases, their bites can cause significant itching, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. They are considered a major urban pest with no ecological benefits to humans.