Bed Bug
Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius
Order & Family: Hemiptera: Cimicidae
Size: Adults are approximately 4-5 mm (about the size of an apple seed), while nymphs can be as small as 1 mm.
Natural Habitat
Found indoors, specifically in close proximity to human sleeping areas. They hide in cracks and crevices of bed frames, mattresses, box springs, headboards, and furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous (feed exclusively on blood), primarily preferring human blood but will feed on other warm-blooded animals if necessary.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and cryptic; they emerge at night to feed on sleeping hosts. They are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide. They do not fly or jump but crawl quickly.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Their bites can cause itching, allergic reactions, and secondary skin infections from scratching. They are significant pests causing anxiety and insomnia, though they are not known to transmit diseases directly. Benefits: None known.
Identified on: 3/1/2026