Bed Bug

Scientific Name: Cimex lectularius

Order & Family: Order: Hemiptera, Family: Cimicidae

Size: Adults are approximately 4 to 5 mm (about the size of an apple seed).

Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Found globally in human dwellings, typically nesting in mattress seams, bed frames, cracks/crevices, and behind wallpaper.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages (blood-feeders), primarily consuming human blood but will feed on other warm-blooded animals if necessary.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They often bite in a linear 'breakfast, lunch, and dinner' pattern on exposed skin.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy welts, allergic reactions, and secondary skin infections from scratching. They are significant psychological stressors but are not currently known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no ecological benefits to humans.

Identified on: 3/13/2026