Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera (order), Cimicidae (family)
- Size
- 4-5 mm (adults), nymphs are smaller
Natural Habitat
Primarily human dwellings, especially beds, mattresses, bed frames, and cracks/crevices in walls and furniture. They prefer dark, secluded areas close to their hosts.
Diet & Feeding
Exclusively feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans. They are nocturnal feeders, biting their hosts while they sleep.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal, cryptic, and highly adapted to living with humans. They typically feed once every 5-10 days but can survive for several months without a blood meal. They hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They are attracted to carbon dioxide and warmth. Females lay 1-5 eggs per day, depositing them in secluded spots.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include itchy bites, allergic reactions, secondary skin infections from scratching, and psychological distress. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known benefits to humans or the ecosystem.