
Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera, Family Cimicidae
- Size
- Adults are approximately 4 to 5 mm (about the size of an apple seed).
Natural Habitat
Found globally in human dwellings, typically hiding in cracks, crevices, upholstery, and seams of mattresses and bedding.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Mainly nocturnal; they emerge at night to feed and return to hiding spots during the day. They go through five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal between each stage.
Risks & Benefits
They do not transmit diseases but their bites can cause allergic reactions, skin rashes, and psychological distress. They are considered a significant public health pest due to infestations.