Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- 1 to 7 millimeters (about the size of an apple seed when adult)
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically in mattresses, bed frames, and crevices near sleeping areas
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to molt
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin rashes, psychological distress, and allergic reactions. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but are considered a significant public health pest/nuisance