
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
Human dwellings, specifically cracks and crevices near sleeping areas such as mattresses, bed frames, and headboards
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal pests that emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and can survive months without a blood meal
Risks & Benefits
While not known to transmit diseases, their bites cause itching, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress. They are major household pests requiring professional mitigation