Common Bed Bug
Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius
Order & Family: Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
Size: 4–5 mm (about the size of an apple seed) when fully grown.
Natural Habitat
Typically found in cracks and crevices near human sleeping areas, such as bed frames, mattresses, and floorboards.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they use heat and carbon dioxide to locate hosts, feed for 3–10 minutes, and then retreat to hide and digest.
Risks & Benefits
No known ecosystem benefits. Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, secondary infections from scratching, and significant psychological distress.
Identified on: 3/13/2026