Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, primarily in cracks and crevices near human sleeping areas, such as mattress seams, bed frames, and behind wallpaper.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.

Behavior Patterns

They are nocturnal, peaking in activity just before dawn. They undergo a hemimetabolous life cycle (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to progress through each of the five nymphal stages.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy welts, psychological distress, and potential allergic reactions. While they harbor many pathogens, they are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no ecological benefits to their presence in human dwellings.

Identified on: 3/15/2026