Bed Bug (nymph)

Natural Habitat

Dwellings, especially beds and furniture; prefers cracks and crevices close to a host.

Diet & Feeding

Strictly hematophagous, feeding on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal feeders, hiding during the day and emerging at night to feed. They are attracted to carbon dioxide and body heat. Nymphs go through five instars, requiring a blood meal between each molt to reach adulthood.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks: Bites can cause itchy welts and allergic reactions in some individuals. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans, but can cause anxiety, sleep deprivation, and secondary skin infections from scratching. No known benefits to humans or ecosystems.

Identified on: 10/19/2025