Bed Bug

Indoor environments where humans sleep or rest, particularly in mattress seams, bed frames, behind wallpaper, and in furniture crevices.

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

Nocturnal and elusive; they are attracted by carbon dioxide and body heat. After a blood meal, they return to hiding to digest and reproduce. The presence of blood smears on linens, as shown in the image, is a common sign of an infestation, often caused by the human accidentally crushing an engorged bug while sleeping.

Risks include itchy, red welts from bites, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress or sleeplessness. While they are not known to transmit diseases to humans, infestations are difficult to eradicate and can cause economic loss. There are no known benefits to the ecosystem.