Community identification
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Hemiptera: Cimicidae
- Size
- 1 to 7 millimeters
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically beds, furniture, and cracks/crevices 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)
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but are significant household pests