Community identification
Bed bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (roughly 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 (blood-feeders), typically feeding on humans or other warm-blooded animals.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and can survive for months without a blood meal.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy allergic reactions, skin rashes, and psychological distress. While not known to transmit diseases, they are a significant pest that requires professional treatment to eradicate.