
Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 5 to 7 mm (adults)
Natural Habitat
Cracks and crevices in human dwellings, typically near sleeping areas such as mattresses, bed frames, and headboards.
Diet & Feeding
Blood from humans and occasionally other warm-blooded animals.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal insects that emerge from hiding at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and can survive for months without a meal.
Risks & Benefits
While not known to transmit diseases, their bites cause itching, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress. They are considered a major urban pest.