Bed bug

Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius

Order & Family: Hemiptera: Cimicidae

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

Bed bug

Natural Habitat

Human dwellings, primarily in mattresses, bed frames, cracks/crevices, and behind furniture

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophagous (feeds exclusively on blood, primarily from humans)

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal, attracted to carbon dioxide and body heat; elusive and hide during the day; females lay hundreds of eggs over a lifetime

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy bites, allergic reactions, psychological distress, and potential secondary skin infections; no known ecosystem benefits in human habitats

Identified on: 6/30/2026