Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (adult size); roughly the size of an apple seed
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically in bed frames, mattresses, furniture crevices, and wallpaper
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; 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 are attracted to heat and carbon dioxide
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. They are not known to transmit diseases but are difficult to eradicate