Bed Bug Egg / Nymph

Primarily indoors, within mattresses, bed frames, furniture, cracks, crevices, and other sheltered areas close to human or animal hosts.

Blood (hematophagous). They feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans, but also pets and birds.

Nocturnal feeders, hiding during the day. Eggs are glued to surfaces. Nymphs hatch from eggs and go through five instars (stages) before becoming adults, requiring a blood meal to molt between each stage.

Risks: Bed bugs are considered a nuisance pest. Their bites can cause itchy welts, skin irritation, and allergic reactions in some individuals. Heavy infestations can lead to anxiety, stress, and sleep deprivation. While they are not known to transmit diseases to humans, their presence is distressing. Benefits: None to humans or the ecosystem; they are considered purely parasitic.