Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera, Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, primarily within mattresses, bed frames, cracks, and crevices near sleeping areas
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, feeding exclusively on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that emerge at night to feed; they are attracted to heat and carbon dioxide
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, insomnia, and psychological distress; they are not known to transmit diseases to humans but cause significant nuisance and infestation issues