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

Found globally in human dwellings, typically nesting in cracks, crevices, upholstery, and bedding near host sleeping areas.

Diet & Feeding

Hematophagous; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive; they emerge at night to feed and return to hiding spots during the day. They go through five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt into the next stage.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy skin rashes, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. While not known to transmit diseases, they are a significant nuisance and can be difficult to eradicate from homes.

Identified on: 2/18/2026