Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, primarily residing in crevices of mattresses, bed frames, headboards, and upholstered furniture in close proximity to human sleeping areas.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

They are nocturnal, emerging at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and can survive for several months without a meal. They do not fly or jump but crawl quickly.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress/insomnia. While they are not known to transmit diseases to humans, infestations are difficult and costly to eradicate. They offer no beneficial ecosystem services in human dwellings.

Identified on: 3/19/2026