Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, primarily in sleeping areas. They hide in cracks and crevices of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, and behind wallpaper or baseboards.

Diet & Feeding

Hematophagous (feeds exclusively on blood), primarily generally preferring human blood but will feed on other warm-blooded animals if necessary.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive, they emerge at night to feed on sleeping hosts. They are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide. They do not fly or jump but crawl quickly.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Their bites can cause allergic skin reactions, itching, anxiety, and insomnia. While not known to transmit disease effectively, infestations are difficult and expensive to eradicate. Benefits: None known to humans or the domestic ecosystem.

Identified on: 3/4/2026