Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Found exclusively indoors, primarily near areas where people sleep. They hide in mattresses, bed frames, cracks, crevices, and electrical outlets.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans. They can survive several months without a meal.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive. They emerge at night to feed and are attracted by body heat and carbon dioxide. They crawl but do not fly or jump; they have a hemi-metabolous life cycle involving five nymphal stages.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy allergic reactions, skin rashes, and psychological distress/insomnia. While they do not transmit pathogens like many other blood-feeders, infestations are difficult to eradicate and can cause significant economic cost. There are no known benefits to the ecosystem.

Identified on: 3/23/2026