Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (adults), about the size of an apple seed.
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically in cracks, crevices, mattresses, bed frames, and upholstered furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to molt.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress/insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known ecological benefits in human environments.