Community identification
Bed bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera (True Bugs) / Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (approx. 3/16 inch) long when fully grown; larger and more elongated after feeding
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, particularly in mattress seams, bed frames, furniture cracks, baseboards, and wall crevices
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophage; feeds exclusively on blood, primarily from humans, but also birds and other mammals
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that hide in dark, secluded spots during the day and emerge at night to feed. They are wingless and spread mainly through infested luggage, clothing, or furniture
Risks & Benefits
Pest species with no ecological benefits in human environments. Bites cause itchy red welts, allergic reactions, insomnia, and psychological distress. They do not efficiently transmit blood-borne pathogens to humans