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
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments near human sleeping areas, including mattresses, bed frames, furniture, and wall cracks
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagous (blood-feeders), primarily feeding on human blood during the night
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and elusive; they hide in dark crevices during the day and are attracted to the warmth and CO2 emitted by sleeping hosts
Risks & Benefits
Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, psychological distress, and secondary skin infections from scratching; they are not known to transmit diseases
Identified on: 1/12/2026