Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Dwellings (especially beds, mattresses, bed frames, furniture); cracks and crevices where humans rest or sleep.

Diet & Feeding

Strictly hematophagous (blood-feeding), primarily feeding on human blood, but will also feed on other warm-blooded animals if humans are not available. They feed at night while hosts are sleeping.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal, hiding in cracks and crevices during the day. They are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide. Bites often appear in lines or clusters. Females lay 1-5 eggs per day, gluing them to surfaces.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause itchy welts, skin irritation, and allergic reactions. While not known to transmit diseases, severe infestations can lead to anxiety, insomnia, and secondary skin infections from scratching. Benefits: None known for humans; considered a pest.

Identified on: 9/5/2025