Bed Bug

Found globally indoors, specifically in close proximity to human sleeping areas such as mattresses, bed frames, cracks in walls, and furniture.

Obligate hematophages, primarily feeding on human blood, though they may also bite other warm-blooded animals.

Nocturnal and elusive; they are most active at night. They go through five nymphal stages before adulthood, requiring a blood meal to molt at each stage. They reproduce quickly, with females laying up to 5 eggs a day.

Risk: They cause itchy, red welts and allergic reactions in some individuals. Infestations lead to significant psychological distress and high remediation costs. Benefit: They have no known benefit to the ecosystem or humans.