Bed Bug (Nymph)

Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius

Order & Family: Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae

Size: 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm (nymph stages); adults can reach up to 5-7 mm.

Bed Bug (Nymph)

Natural Habitat

Typically found in human dwellings, hidden in cracks, crevices, mattresses, bed frames, and furniture near sleeping areas.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on animal blood, primarily from humans.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (nymphs look like smaller, paler versions of adults) and require a blood meal to molt into the next stage.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress/insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no ecological benefits to their presence in a home; they are considered significant indoor pests.

Identified on: 2/9/2026