Smeared Bed Bug (Post-feeding)

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, typically residing in cracks and crevices near human sleeping areas such as mattresses, box springs, and headboards.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophage; feeds exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal parasites that emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis; the image appears to show a crushed specimen that had recently consumed a blood meal, resulting in the dark red/black smear.

Risks & Benefits

A significant household pest that causes itchy welts and psychological distress. While not known to transmit diseases to humans, they can cause allergic reactions and secondary skin infections from scratching.

Identified on: 6/11/2026