Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (adults), nymphs are smaller and translucent to light brown.
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, primarily in mattresses, bed frames, cracks/crevices, and furniture near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) requiring a blood meal for each life stage.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include physical reactions to bites (itching, welts, or allergic reactions), psychological distress, and potential secondary skin infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans.