Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- Adults are approximately 4 to 5 mm (0.16 to 0.20 inches) in length.
Natural Habitat
Primarily indoor environments such as cracks and crevices in bed frames, mattresses, and furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that emerge at night to feed. They often bite in a linear 'breakfast, lunch, and dinner' pattern on exposed skin.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy, red welts, skin irritation, and psychological stress; they are not known to transmit diseases but can cause secondary infections from scratching.