Community identification
Bed bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 1mm to 7mm (adults are approximately the size of an apple seed).
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, primarily in mattresses, bed frames, cracks/crevices, and furniture near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; 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 blood meals to molt.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy allergic reactions to bites, sleep deprivation, and psychological distress. They are not known to spread diseases to humans. There are no ecological benefits to humans.