Colorized scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a bed bug (cimex lectularius), a bloodsucking nocturnal parasite. The adult is brown, oval, and dependent on blood for its nutrition. The bed bug's bite is painless but may cause the skin to become inflamed. Bed bugs hide in bedclothes, mattresses, and under wallpaper. They are active at night, traveling to the host for a blood meal, and then returning to their lair. They exude an offensive sweet odor. Good sanitation, achieved by thoroughly cleaning bed cloths, mattresses and pillows, can control bed bugs. Magnification 37x @ 35mm.