Bed Bug

Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius

Order & Family: Order Hemiptera, Family Cimicidae

Size: Adults are approximately 4 to 5 mm (about the size of an apple seed).

Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Found worldwide in human dwellings, typically nesting in cracks of mattresses, bed frames, furniture, and walls.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.

Behavior Patterns

Mainly nocturnal; they emerge from hiding at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and can survive for months without a meal.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy skin welts (as shown in the image), allergic reactions, and psychological distress. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but are considered a significant household pest and public health nuisance.

Identified on: 3/13/2026