Bed Bug

Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius

Order & Family: Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae

Size: 1 to 7 mm (about the size of an apple seed when fully grown)

Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Primarily indoor environments close to human hosts, such as mattresses, box springs, bed frames, furniture seams, behind wallpaper, and in cracks/crevices.

Diet & Feeding

Hematophagous (feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans).

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and parasitic; they hide during the day in tight crevices and emerge at night to feed. They are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide. They do not fly or jump but crawl quickly.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Their bites cause itchy red welts, allergic reactions, anxiety, and insomnia. While not known to transmit disease effectively, infestations are difficult and expensive to eradicate. Benefits: None known.

Identified on: 2/24/2026