Bed Bug
Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius
Order & Family: Order Hemiptera, Family Cimicidae
Size: Approximately 4 to 5 mm in length, roughly the size of an apple seed.
Natural Habitat
Found globally in human dwellings, typically living in cracks and crevices of furniture, mattresses, bed frames, and behind wallpaper.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.
Behavior Patterns
Mainly nocturnal; they emerge from hiding at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis with five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt into the next stage.
Risks & Benefits
They do not transmit diseases but their bites can cause itchy red welts and allergic reactions. Infestations can lead to significant psychological distress, insomnia, and financial costs for eradication.
Identified on: 6/22/2026