Bed Bug

Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius

Order & Family: Hemiptera / Cimicidae

Size: Adults are typically 4-5 mm long, oval-shaped, and reddish-brown, appearing more reddish-purple after feeding.

Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Found in human dwellings, particularly in beds, mattresses, bed frames, headboards, and cracks in walls. They can also hide in furniture, luggage, and clothing.

Diet & Feeding

Exclusively blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans. They feed by piercing the skin and drawing blood. Feeding usually occurs at night while the host is asleep.

Behavior Patterns

Generally nocturnal, hiding in cracks and crevices during the day. Known for rapid reproduction and can infest homes quickly. They are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Bed bug bites can cause itchy welts, skin irritation, and lead to secondary infections from scratching. Though not known to transmit diseases, their presence can cause anxiety and sleep disturbances. Benefits: No known direct benefits to humans or the ecosystem.

Identified on: 8/30/2025