Bed bug

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, primarily in cracks and crevices of beds, upholstered furniture, and walls near sleeping areas.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophagous (blood-feeding) on humans and occasionally other warm-blooded animals.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis with five nymphal stages, each requiring a blood meal to molt.

Risks & Benefits

Risk of itchy welts and allergic reactions from bites; significant psychological distress and potential for secondary infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but are a major domestic pest.

Identified on: 1/5/2026