Cimex lectularius. What is this insect and how does it affect man?

Cimex lectularius, the common bed bug, is a bloodsucking nocturnal parasite of man. Other hosts for this bug include chickens, bats, and some domestic animals. Cimex feeds by piercing the host with hollow tubes derived from the maxilla. Saliva injected at the time of feeding is associated with local and sometimes widespread urticaria. This pest has become less important over the last half century with general improvements in household and personal cleanliness.