Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 1 to 7 millimeters (about the size of an apple seed when adult).
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically cracks and crevices near sleeping areas such as mattresses, bed frames, and furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal insects that hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They go through five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt at each stage.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin rashes, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known benefits to the ecosystem or humans.