Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4–5 mm (adults), roughly the size of an apple seed.
Natural Habitat
Typically found in cracks and crevices near human sleeping areas, such as mattresses, bed frames, and furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous (obligate blood-feeders), primarily feeding on human blood during the night.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and are attracted to the carbon dioxide and warmth of a host. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin welts and allergic reactions to bites; they can cause significant psychological distress and insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans.