Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Found globally in human dwellings, typically hidden in mattress seams, bed frames, headboards, and cracks or crevices near sleeping areas.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

Mainly nocturnal; they emerge at night to feed and return to hiding spots during the day. They go through five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt and move to the next stage.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy allergic reactions, skin rashes, and psychological distress/insomnia. While not known to transmit diseases to humans, infestations are difficult to eradicate and can spread rapidly. They provide no known ecological benefits in human environments.

Identified on: 1/14/2026