Bed Bug

Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius

Order & Family: Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae

Size: 4 to 5 mm (adults), roughly the size of an apple seed.

Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, specifically cracks and crevices near human sleeping areas, mattresses, and furniture.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages (blood-feeders), primarily feeding on human blood but sometimes other warm-blooded animals.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive; they use heat and carbon dioxide to locate hosts, feed for 3-10 minutes, and kemudian hide to digest and breed.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Causes itchy welts, allergic reactions, insomnia, and psychological distress. While they carry pathogens, they are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known ecosystem benefits.

Identified on: 2/3/2026