
Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- 1mm to 7mm (adults are generally 4-5mm)
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, specifically in proximity to where humans sleep, such as mattress seams, bed frames, and cracks or crevices in furniture.
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 with five nymphal stages, each requiring a blood meal to molt.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin rashes, psychological distress, and potential allergic reactions. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but are considered a significant public health pest.