Bed Bug

Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius

Order & Family: Hemiptera: Cimicidae

Size: 4 to 5 mm (about the size of an apple seed)

Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Human dwellings, specifically cracks and crevices in mattresses, bed frames, headboards, and near sleeping areas.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They typically bite in a linear or clustered pattern often referred to as 'breakfast, lunch, and dinner.'

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy welts, allergic reactions, psychological distress, and potential secondary skin infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no ecological benefits to humans; they are considered a significant pest.

Identified on: 3/13/2026