
Community identification
Bed Bug (Nymph)
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm (nymphs are smaller and often more translucent than adults)
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, specifically cracks and crevices near sleeping areas such as mattresses, bed frames, and furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagous insects, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt into the next stage.
Risks & Benefits
While not known to transmit diseases, their bites cause itching, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. They are considered a significant urban pest requiring professional eradication.