Bed Bug

Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius

Order & Family: Hemiptera, Cimicidae

Size: Adults are typically 4-5 mm (0.16-0.20 inches) long.

Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Found in human dwellings, especially in bedrooms. They hide in mattresses, bed frames, headboards, cracks in walls, furniture, and behind wallpaper. They are highly adaptable and can be found almost anywhere people congregate.

Diet & Feeding

Exclusively feed on blood, primarily from humans, but can also feed on other mammals and birds.

Behavior Patterns

Bed bugs are nocturnal and feed on blood while their host is asleep. They hide in cracks and crevices during the day, emerging at night. They are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide. They often bite exposed skin. Bites usually appear in lines or clusters.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include itchy welts from bites, allergic reactions, secondary skin infections from scratching, and psychological distress (anxiety, insomnia). They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known benefits.

Identified on: 9/4/2025