Bed Bug

Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius

Order & Family: Hemiptera (Order), Cimicidae (Family)

Size: Adults are typically 4-5 mm (0.16-0.2 inches) long, unfed; resemble an apple seed. Nymphs are smaller and translucent.

Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Primarily human dwellings, especially beds, mattresses, bed frames, and nearby furniture. Can also be found in luggage, public transport, and other shared spaces.

Diet & Feeding

Exclusively blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal, hiding in cracks and crevices during the day. Emerge at night to feed on sleeping hosts. Females can lay 1-5 eggs per day, totaling hundreds in a lifetime. They move quickly and can travel between rooms or even apartments.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Bites can cause itchy welts, skin irritation, and secondary infections from scratching. Can lead to psychological distress, anxiety, and sleep deprivation. Not known to transmit diseases. Benefits: None to humans; considered a pest.

Identified on: 8/11/2025