Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Typically found in human dwellings, nesting in mattress seams, bed frames, cracks, crevices, and behind furniture or wall hangings.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal pests that emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult). They are known for their ability to hitchhike on luggage or clothing to infest new locations.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy allergic reactions to bites, sleep deprivation, and psychological distress. While not known to transmit diseases, they are a significant nuisance and expensive to eradicate. There are no ecological benefits to their presence in human homes.

Identified on: 4/16/2026