Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Dwellings where humans sleep, including mattresses, bed frames, cracks and crevices in furniture, and wall voids.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal pests that hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to molt into each successive life stage.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, insomnia, and psychological distress. While they do not transmit diseases, they are considered a significant public health pest. No known ecosystem benefits in indoor environments.

Identified on: 4/26/2026