Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- Typically 1 to 5 millimeters; adults are about the size of an apple seed.
Natural Habitat
Found in human dwellings, typically hidden in cracks, crevices, mattress seams, and bed frames near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, feeding exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive. They are attracted to carbon dioxide and body heat. After feeding, they retreat to dark hiding spots to digest and reproduce; they do not fly or jump.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin rashes, psychological distress, and allergic reactions. While not known to transmit diseases to humans, they are a significant household pest. There are no known ecological benefits to their presence in human environments.