Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Bed bugs are typically found in human dwellings, especially in bedrooms. They hide in mattresses, bed frames, headboards, cracks in walls, furniture, and even electrical outlets. They are also common in hotels, apartments, dorms, and public transportation.

Diet & Feeding

Bed bugs are obligate hematophagous insects, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.

Behavior Patterns

Bed bugs are primarily nocturnal, feeding on blood during the host's sleep. They are very adept at hiding in cracks and crevices during the day, making them difficult to detect. Females lay 1-5 eggs per day, which hatch in 6-17 days. Nymphs mature in about a month to six weeks, undergoing five molts before reaching adulthood, each requiring a blood meal.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Bed bug bites can cause itchy welts, leading to discomfort, skin irritation, and potential secondary skin infections from scratching. In some individuals, severe allergic reactions can occur. They can cause significant psychological distress, sleep deprivation, and anxiety. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. Benefits: There are no known direct benefits of bed bugs to humans or the ecosystem; they are considered pests.

Identified on: 8/17/2025