Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 17 3 2024 01 07 1631 1631 Hussein Baqir Household and Structural Urban Entomology Laboratory, Vector Control Research Unit, School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia, Department of Plant Protection, Agriculture College, University of Kerbala, Iraq Wei-Jun Li Laboratory of Invasion Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China Jian-Guo Wang Laboratory of Invasion Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China Song Quan-Ong Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia Abdul Hafiz Ab Majid Household and Structural Urban Entomology Laboratory, Vector Control Research Unit, School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia, Centre for Insect Systematics (CIS), Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi, Selangor 43600, Malaysia 2023 03 22 2023 08 13 Background: Bed bugs are blood-feeding insects and are an important urban pest. Bed bugs are nocturnal insects and hide in cracks in walls and beds during the day. The study aims to: (1) determine the bed bugs species that infest Iraq, their infestation source, and their distribution; (2) determine the level of awareness and concern regarding bed bugs among the Iraqi community. Methods: Between 2020 and 2021, a survey of bed bug infestation dynamics was conducted in 18 infested sites located in major cities across eight governorates. The 23-item online survey was distributed over social media to Iraqi citizens between June and July 2022 to survey on their familiarity with bed bug habitat, medical significance, transmission, pre­vention, control measures, and concerns. Results: There were a total of 1104 bed bugs collected. Based on the morphological characteristics, bed bugs collected from eight Iraqi governorates are identified as Cimex hemipterus. Besides, a high rate of bed bug infestation was ob­served in workers' dormitories. The online questionnaire was answered by 1843 respondents and based on the feedback, most respondents (55.3%) have no awareness of bed bug infestations, while around 43.8% are somewhat concerned about bed bug infestations in Iraq. Conclusion: Only tropical bed bugs, C. hemipterus were found in all sampled sites. Bed bug infestations are mainly caused by migrant workers and the reuse of second-hand furniture and clothing. The results suggest that the Iraqi gov­ernment should organize more proper demonstrations on bed bug awareness for the public. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1631 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1631/633