A common misconception has been circulating online, and it deserves a clear factual correction. An insect problem was recently described using the term “bedbugs,” but the description did not match bedbugs at all. This distinction matters, because confusing insects can lead people to take unnecessary and ineffective actions, often driven by fear rather than facts.
True bedbugs are a very specific type of parasite. Scientifically known as Cimex lectularius, they feed exclusively on human blood and live almost entirely indoors. They hide in mattresses, bed frames, furniture seams, baseboards, and wall cracks, emerging mostly at night when people are resting. Bedbugs are not green, do not live outdoors, and are not found wandering around windows or walls during the daytime.
The insect described in the article more closely matches a green stink bug from the Palomena group. These insects are completely different in behavior and habitat. Green stink bugs live outdoors, feed on plants, and are common in gardens, fields, and wooded areas. They often enter homes seasonally, especially in cooler months, as they seek warmth and shelter.
Unlike bedbugs, stink bugs are not parasites and do not infest beds, clothing, or furniture. They are commonly seen near windows, doors, lights, and radiators because they are attracted to warmth and light. Their presence is a temporary nuisance, not an infestation. Accurate identification is essential. Green stink bugs and bedbugs require entirely different responses. Confusing the two creates unnecessary panic and misinformation. Clear facts help people respond calmly and appropriately to what they are actually encountering in their homes.
