Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Primarily human dwellings, especially beds, mattresses, bed frames, and cracks/crevices near sleeping areas. Can also be found in furniture, luggage, and clothing.

Diet & Feeding

Strictly hematophagous, meaning they feed exclusively on blood. They prefer human blood but can feed on other warm-blooded animals if humans are unavailable.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal, typically feeding on sleeping hosts. They are attracted to carbon dioxide and body heat. They crawl onto the host, feed for 3-10 minutes, then retreat to their hiding spots. Females lay 1-12 eggs per day, gluing them to surfaces. Infestations can spread quickly through travel and shared living spaces.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include itchy red welts (like those shown in the image), skin irritation, secondary skin infections from scratching, and allergic reactions (rarely). They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known benefits to humans or the ecosystem; they are considered a nuisance pest.

Identified on: 9/6/2025