Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Found inside residential homes and hospitality environments, typically dwelling within mattress seams, bed frames, cracks, and crevices near sleeping areas.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophagous (feeds exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans).

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive; they use heat and carbon dioxide to locate hosts, feed for 3-10 minutes, and then retreat to hide. They hitchhike on luggage, clothing, and used furniture to spread.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress; however, they are not known to transmit diseases. Beneficial for the ecosystem as a food source for spiders/centipedes, but considered a major pest to humans.

Identified on: 5/18/2026