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.

Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Inhabits human dwellings, specifically cracks and crevices in mattresses, bed frames, furniture, and wall junctions.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal insects that emerge from hiding during the night to feed. They go through five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal between each molt, and can survive several months without feeding.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include red, itchy welts and psychological distress from infestations; some individuals may experience severe allergic reactions. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but are significant household pests.

Identified on: 1/13/2026