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).

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