Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera, Cimicidae
- Size
- Adults typically 4-5 mm (0.16-0.20 inches) in length; nymphs are smaller.
Natural Habitat
Dwellings, especially bedrooms, in cracks and crevices of mattresses, bed frames, furniture, walls, and flooring.
Diet & Feeding
Exclusively feed on blood, primarily human blood.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal; they feed on sleeping hosts. They are attracted to carbon dioxide and body heat. They hide in cracks and crevices during the day.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy bites, skin rashes, allergic reactions, and secondary skin infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit diseases. No known benefits to humans or the ecosystem.