Common Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

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

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophagous (blood-feeding); primarily feeds on human blood, but may feed on other warm-blooded animals if humans are unavailable.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to progress to each life stage.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy allergic reactions to bites, sleep deprivation, and psychological distress. While not known to transmit diseases to humans, they are a significant pest that requires professional infestation management. They provide no ecosystem benefits to human habitats.

Identified on: 3/13/2026