Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Human dwellings, primarily found in cracks and crevices near sleeping areas such as mattresses, box springs, and bed frames.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophagous (blood-feeders), preferentially feeding on human blood.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to molt into each successive stage.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy allergic reactions to bites, sleep deprivation, and psychological distress. While they are not known to transmit diseases to humans, infestations are difficult and expensive to eradicate. They offer no known ecosystem benefits in human environments.

Identified on: 1/8/2026