Masked Hunter (Nymph stage)

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in dry areas, such as attics, basements, and behind baseboards; outdoors they are found in animal nests and beneath debris.

Diet & Feeding

Strictly carnivorous; they prey on other small arthropods including bed bugs, carpet beetles, termites, and silverfish.

Behavior Patterns

Nymphs use their hind legs to cover their sticky bodies with dust, lint, and debris to camouflage themselves from predators and prey. They are nocturnal and move with a slow, jerky motion.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits humans by acting as natural pest control for bed bugs and other household pests. They do not transmit diseases, but they can deliver a painful (though non-toxic) bite if handled or provoked.

Identified on: 4/9/2026