Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm in length (adults), smaller as nymphs.
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically cracks and crevices in and around beds, furniture, and wall junctions.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, feeding exclusively on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that hide during the day. They use heat and carbon dioxide to track hosts, feed for 3-10 minutes, and then retreat to digest and lay eggs.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy allergic reactions, skin rashes, and psychological distress/insomnia. While they do not efficiently transmit diseases, they are significant domestic pests. There are no known benefits.