Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (adults), roughly the size of an apple seed.
Natural Habitat
Dwellings, specifically in cracks, crevices, mattresses, and bed frames near human sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagous (blood-feeders), primarily targeting humans but also other warm-blooded animals.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal; they emerge at night to feed and hide during the day. Their life cycle includes five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt at each stage.
Risks & Benefits
While not known to transmit diseases, their bites cause intense itching, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. They are difficult to eradicate and have no known ecosystem benefits in human environments.