Bed Bug

Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius

Order & Family: Hemiptera, Cimicidae

Size: Adults: 4-5 mm (0.16-0.2 inches)

Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Primarily indoors, in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, and other furniture. They can also be found in cracks in walls, electrical outlets, and behind wallpaper.

Diet & Feeding

Exclusively blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans. They feed by piercing the skin and drawing blood through a elongated mouthpart.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal, hiding in cracks and crevices during the day. They are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide. Females lay eggs in secluded areas.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include itchy red welts from bites, allergic reactions, and secondary skin infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit diseases. There are no known benefits to humans or the ecosystem.

Identified on: 8/18/2025