Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Bed bugs are typically found in human dwellings, particularly in bedrooms. They prefer to live close to their food source, so common hiding spots include mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, and bedside furniture. They can also infest cracks in walls, under wallpaper, behind picture frames, and in electrical outlets.

Diet & Feeding

Bed bugs are hematophagous, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans. They pierce the skin with their elongated mouthparts (proboscis) to access capillaries and feed on blood.

Behavior Patterns

Adult bed bugs are nocturnal, feeding primarily at night while a person is sleeping. They hide in cracks and crevices during the day, such as mattress seams, bed frames, furniture, behind wallpaper, or in electrical outlets. They are adept at hiding and can go long periods without feeding. Females lay 1-5 eggs per day, typically in secluded locations, which hatch in about 1-2 weeks. Nymphs molt five times before reaching adulthood, requiring a blood meal at each stage.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include itchy red welts from bites, which can lead to secondary skin infections from scratching. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions. While they are a nuisance pest and cause significant discomfort, bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known direct benefits to humans or the ecosystem, although they are part of the larger food web for some predatory insects in natural settings.

Identified on: 9/2/2025