Bed Bug
Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius
Order & Family: Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
Size: 4 to 5 mm (adults), roughly the size of an apple seed.
Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically cracks and crevices near sleeping areas, such as mattress seams, bed frames, and behind baseboards.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on animal blood, primarily human blood.
Behavior Patterns
They are primarily nocturnal and hide during the day. They are attracted to heat and carbon dioxide produced by hosts. Females can lay 200-500 eggs in their lifetime.
Risks & Benefits
They do not transmit diseases but can cause itchy welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. They provide no known ecosystem benefits in domestic environments.
Identified on: 2/9/2026