Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

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

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive; they emerge at night to feed and hide during the day. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and can survive for months without a blood meal.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy, red welts from bites, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress or insomnia. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known benefits to the ecosystem in human-occupied structures.

Identified on: 2/16/2026