
Community identification
Bed Bug (nymph)
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm (nymph stage appearing brownish-red after feeding)
Natural Habitat
Found in close proximity to human sleeping areas, residing in mattress seams, bed frames, and furniture cracks.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagous insects that feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive, they emerge at night to feed and hide during the day. Nymphs require a blood meal to progress through each of their five molting stages.
Risks & Benefits
Significant household pest; bites can cause itchy welts and psychological distress. While not known to transmit diseases, they are difficult to eradicate once established.