Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Bed bugs are typically found in human dwellings, particularly in beds, mattresses, bed frames, headboards, and nearby furniture. They prefer dark, secluded areas and can hide in very small cracks and crevices, including behind wallpaper, in electrical outlets, and under carpets. They thrive in environments with a steady supply of hosts.

Diet & Feeding

Strictly hematophagous, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans. They pierce the skin with a stylet and inject saliva containing anticoagulants and anesthetics before drawing blood.

Behavior Patterns

Bed bugs are primarily nocturnal, feeding on human blood while people sleep. They are skilled at hiding in cracks and crevices, coming out to feed. Their bites often appear in a linear pattern or clustered together, sometimes referred to as 'breakfast, lunch, and dinner.' They are notorious hitchhikers and can easily spread between locations via luggage, clothing, and used furniture. Despite their name, they can infest chairs, couches, and other furniture, not just beds. A bed bug infestation can be identified by reddish-brown spots on mattresses or bedding (fecal spots), tiny eggs and eggshells, and shed skins.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include itchy red welts (like those seen in the image), allergic reactions, secondary skin infections from scratching, and significant psychological distress due to sleep disturbance, anxiety, and social stigma. While they are not known to transmit diseases to humans in the same way mosquitoes or ticks do, their bites can lead to considerable discomfort. There are no known benefits of bed bugs to humans or the ecosystem; they are considered a pest.

Identified on: 9/4/2025