Bed Bug
Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius
Order & Family: Order Hemiptera, Family Cimicidae
Size: Approximately 4 to 5 mm (roughly the size of an apple seed) when fully grown.
Natural Habitat
Found globally in human dwellings, typically nesting in cracks of mattresses, bed frames, and furniture near sleeping areas.
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide. They undergo simple metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and can survive for months without feeding.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy red welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but present a significant pest control challenge.
Identified on: 5/17/2026