Bed Bug

Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius

Order & Family: Hemiptera: Cimicidae

Size: 4 to 5 mm (adults), roughly the size of an apple seed.

Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Human dwellings, specifically cracks and crevices near sleeping areas such as mattresses, bed frames, and headboards.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal pests that emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and can survive months without a blood meal.

Risks & Benefits

While not known to transmit diseases, they cause itchy bites, allergic reactions, psychological distress, and sleep deprivation. They offer no ecological benefits in a domestic setting.

Identified on: 12/31/2025