Bed Bug (Exuviae/Shed Skin)

Dwellings with human inhabitants; typically found in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and upholstered furniture.

Strictly hematophagous (blood-feeding), primarily on humans but also other warm-blooded animals.

Nocturnal and elusive; they hide in crevices during the day. As nymphs grow, they must shed their exoskeleton (exuviae) after each blood meal to progress to the next of five development stages.

Risks include itchy allergic reactions to bites, skin infections from scratching, and significant psychological distress/insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases, but are difficult and expensive to eradicate. They offer no benefits to the household ecosystem.