Bed Bug (Signs of Infestation)
Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius
Order & Family: Order Hemiptera, Family Cimicidae
Size: 1 to 7 millimeters (adults are roughly the size of an apple seed).
Natural Habitat
Cracks and crevices in bedrooms, mattress seams, headboards, and upholstered furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal insects that hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide. They do not fly but can crawl rapidly.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin rashes, psychological distress, and allergic reactions. While not known to transmit diseases, their presence causes significant sleep disruption and requires professional pest control to eradicate.
Identified on: 4/29/2026