Bed Bug
Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius
Order & Family: Order Hemiptera, Family Cimicidae
Size: 1 - 7 mm (nymphs are smaller and lighter in color; adults are about the size of an apple seed).

Natural Habitat
Human dwellings, specifically cracks and crevices in beds, furniture, and walls.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagy; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They are attracted to heat and carbon dioxide.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risk of allergic reactions to bites, skin irritation, and significant psychological distress. They are not known to transmit diseases.
Identified on: 5/16/2026