Bed Bug (Crushed)

Indoor environments, primarily in cracks and crevices near sleeping areas such as mattresses, bed frames, and headboards.

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

Nocturnal parasites that emerge at night to feed. The reddish-brown smear in the image is characteristic of a recently fed bug that has been crushed, releasing ingested blood.

Risks include itchy allergic reactions to bites, sleep deprivation, and psychological distress. While not known to transmit diseases, they are significant domestic pests. There are no ecological benefits in human habitats.