
Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- 4 to 5 mm (about the size of an apple seed)
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically in tight crevices such as mattress seams, bed frames, and furniture near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and can survive for several months without feeding.
Risks & Benefits
They do not transmit diseases, but their bites can cause itchy red welts, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress. They are considered a major household pest.