Bed Bug
Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius
Order & Family: Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae
Size: 4 to 5 mm (approx. 3/16 inch) as adults; slightly larger after a blood meal.

Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, primarily cracks and crevices near human sleeping areas, mattresses, and furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal parasites that hide during the day. They go through five nymphal stages (instars) and require a blood meal to molt into the next stage.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin welts and allergic reactions to bites; they can cause significant psychological distress and sleep loss. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known benefits to the ecosystem.
Identified on: 12/26/2025