Mexican Bed Bug (Common Bed Bug)

Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius

Order & Family: Hemiptera: Cimicidae

Size: 5 to 7 mm in length (adults)

Mexican Bed Bug (Common Bed Bug)

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, specifically in crevices of mattresses, bed frames, and furniture near sleeping areas.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophagous (blood-fed), primarily feeding on human blood during the night.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive; they use heat and carbon dioxide to locate hosts, feed for 3-10 minutes, and kemudian retreat to hide.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress; they are not known vectors of disease, but infestations require professional treatment.

Identified on: 5/17/2026