Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera; Family Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (adults); smaller and translucent as nymphs.
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically in bed frames, mattresses, and cracks or crevices 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 are attracted to CO2 and body heat and undergo a five-stage nymphal life cycle requiring a blood meal at each stage.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy welts, allergic reactions, secondary skin infections from scratching, and significant psychological distress/insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no ecological benefits in a domestic human setting.