Bed Bug

Indoor environments, primarily cracks and crevices near human sleeping areas, mattresses, and furniture.

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

Nocturnal parasites that hide during the day. They go through five nymphal stages (instars) and require a blood meal to molt into the next stage.

Risks include itchy skin welts and allergic reactions to bites; they can cause significant psychological distress and sleep loss. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known benefits to the ecosystem.