Bed Bug

Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius

Order & Family: Hemiptera (order), Cimicidae (family)

Size: 4-5 mm (adults); nymphs are smaller

Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Dwellings, especially bedrooms (beds, mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards); also crevices in walls, furniture, and luggage.

Diet & Feeding

Strictly hematophagous, feeding on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal feeders, hiding in dark, secluded spots during the day. They are attracted to carbon dioxide and body heat. Bed bugs crawl rather than fly or jump. They can go long periods without feeding.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks: Painful, itchy bites; allergic reactions; secondary skin infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. No known benefits to humans or the ecosystem.

Identified on: 11/3/2025