Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, primarily in cracks and crevices of beds, upholstered furniture, and walls near sleeping areas.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, with humans being the preferred host.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive; they use heat and carbon dioxide to locate hosts, feed for 3–10 minutes, and then retreat to hide. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy allergic reactions, secondary skin infections from scratching, and significant psychological distress/insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no ecological benefits to humans.

Identified on: 1/8/2026