Bed Bug (Nymph/First Stage)

Indoor environments close to human hosts, primarily in crevices of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, furniture, and behind baseboards.

Hematophagous (feeds exclusively on blood, preferring human blood but will feed on other mammals or birds if necessary).

Nocturnal but opportunistic; they are attracted to body heat and CO2. They transition through 5 identifiable nymph stages before adulthood, requiring a blood meal to molt into the next stage.

Risks: Bed bugs cause itchy bites, allergic reactions, anxiety, and insomnia. They are significant pests that are difficult and expensive to eradicate. Benefits: None known in a domestic context.