Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera; Family Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (about the size of an apple seed)
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically beds, furniture, cracks, and crevices near sleeping areas
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous; 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 blood meals to molt.
Risks & Benefits
Risk: Causes itchy bites and skin rashes; can lead to psychological distress and allergic reactions. They are not known to transmit diseases but are significant public health pests.