Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (about the size of an apple seed)
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically cracks and crevices in mattresses, bed frames, headboards, and near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They typically bite in a linear or clustered pattern often referred to as 'breakfast, lunch, and dinner.'
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy welts, allergic reactions, psychological distress, and potential secondary skin infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no ecological benefits to humans; they are considered a significant pest.