Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically in cracks, crevices, mattresses, and bed frames
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult)
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy bites, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but are considered a major urban pest.