Bed Bug

Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius

Order & Family: Hemiptera: Cimicidae

Size: 4 to 5 mm in length

Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Human dwellings, specifically in cracks, crevices, mattresses, and bed frames

Diet & Feeding

Hematophagous; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal parasites that hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult)

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy bites, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but are considered a major urban pest.

Identified on: 1/14/2026