Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
- Size
- Adults are 4-5 mm long (about the size of an apple seed); nymphs range from 1 mm to 4 mm.
Natural Habitat
Typically found in human dwellings, particularly in bedrooms. They hide in cracks and crevices of bed frames, mattresses, box springs, headboards, behind wallpaper, and in furniture near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous (feed exclusively on blood), primarily preferring human blood, although they can feed on other warm-blooded animals.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and attracted to the carbon dioxide and warmth of sleeping hosts; they feed for 3-10 minutes before retreating to hiding spots. They do not fly or jump but crawl quickly.
Risks & Benefits
Risk: Their bites can cause skin rashes, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress and insomnia. While they are not known to transmit diseases biologically, the scratching of bites can lead to secondary bacterial infections.