Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera / Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (about the size of an apple seed) when fully grown.
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically in cracks, crevices, mattresses, bed frames, and upholstered furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous; 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 undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to molts to the next stage.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known ecological benefits in domestic environments.