Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera; Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm long (adults)
Natural Habitat
Cracks and crevices near sleeping areas (mattresses, bed frames, furniture)
Diet & Feeding
Blood from mammals and birds; primarily human blood
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed on hosts while they sleep. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy allergic reactions to bites and psychological distress; they are not known to spread diseases between humans but are a major nuisance pest.