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
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