Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, primarily near sleeper areas such as mattresses, bed frames, headboards, and cracks in walls.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

Mainly nocturnal; they hide in dark crevices during the day and emerge at night, attracted by the heat and CO2 emitted by a host. They undergo five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt at each stage.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy allergic reactions to bites, skin rashes, psychological distress (anxiety/insomnia), and potential secondary infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no ecological benefits to their presence in human dwellings.

Identified on: 12/31/2025