
Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (adults), becoming larger after a blood meal.
Natural Habitat
Nests and shelters near host sleeping areas, such as mattress seams, bed frames, and behind wallpaper in residential and commercial buildings.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagous (blood-feeders), primarily targeting humans and other warm-blooded animals.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they use carbon dioxide and heat to locate hosts. Their life cycle includes five nymphal stages, each requiring a blood meal to molt.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. While not known to transmit diseases to humans, they are major domestic pests; they offer no significant ecosystem benefits in human environments.