Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, primarily in cracks and crevices near human sleeping areas, such as mattress seams, bed frames, and behind baseboards.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal parasites that emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to progress to each life stage.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy allergic reactions to bites, sleep deprivation, and psychological distress. While they do not reliably transmit diseases, heavy infestations can cause anemia. They offer no known benefits to humans.

Identified on: 2/25/2026