
Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 mm to 5 mm (adults), similar in size to an apple seed.
Natural Habitat
Found in human dwellings, typically hidden in mattress seams, bed frames, and cracks in furniture during the day.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they use carbon dioxide and body heat to locate hosts. They go through five nymphal stages before reaching adulthood, requiring a blood meal between each stage.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. While not known to transmit diseases, they are significant domestic pests. There are no ecological benefits to their presence in human environments.