Bed Bug

Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius

Order & Family: Hemiptera (Order), Cimicidae (Family)

Size: 4-5 mm (adults), similar to an apple seed. Nymphs are smaller.

Natural Habitat

Dwellings where humans sleep, such as beds, mattresses, bed frames, furniture, and cracks in walls. They prefer dark, secluded areas.

Diet & Feeding

Exclusively blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.

Behavior Patterns

Bed bugs are nocturnal, feeding on sleeping hosts. They are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide. They are resilient and can survive for months without a blood meal. Females lay 1-5 eggs per day, totaling 200-500 eggs in a lifetime.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Bed bug bites cause itchy welts, leading to discomfort, sleep deprivation, and secondary skin infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit diseases. Benefits: None to humans; they are a nuisance pest.

Identified on: 9/2/2025