Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera, Family Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (approx. 1/8 to 3/16 inch) for adults; nymphs are smaller and translucent.
Natural Habitat
Found globally in human dwellings, typically nesting in cracks, crevices, mattress seams, and bed frames.
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 undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and can survive months without a blood meal.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy red welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress/insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but are significant household pests.