
Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 millimeters in length (approx. size of an apple seed)
Natural Habitat
Cracks and crevices in bedrooms, including bed frames, mattresses, and soft furniture
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagy (feeds exclusively on blood, typically from humans)
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They go through five nymphal stages before reaching adulthood.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risk consists of itchy welts and psychological distress; they do not transmit diseases but can cause secondary infections from scratching.