Bed Bug

Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius

Order & Family: Order: Hemiptera; Family: Cimicidae

Size: 4 mm to 7 mm in length (about the size of an apple seed)

Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Found in human dwellings, typically in cracks and crevices, bed frames, mattresses, and behind wallpaper in close proximity to sleeping areas.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.

Behavior Patterns

Mainly nocturnal pests that emerge at night to feed. They are attracted to carbon dioxide and body heat. After feeding, they retreat to well-hidden dark areas. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy red welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. While they do not efficiently transmit diseases, their presence is a significant nuisance. They offer no known ecosystem benefits in human environments.

Identified on: 6/29/2026