Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Found exclusively indoors in close association with humans. They hide in cracks and crevices of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, furniture, and behind wallpaper, emerging at night to feed.

Diet & Feeding

Bed bugs are hematophagous, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals. Humans are their preferred host.

Behavior Patterns

Primarily nocturnal, they are attracted to the carbon dioxide and warmth emitted by sleeping hosts. During the day, they hide in harborages. An infestation is often characterized by the presence of live or dead bugs, cast skins from molting, and small dark fecal spots on bedding or furniture.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Bed bug bites can cause itchy, red welts on the skin, although some people have no reaction. The bites can lead to secondary skin infections, allergic reactions, anxiety, and insomnia. While not known to transmit diseases, they are a significant nuisance pest and infestations can be difficult and expensive to eradicate. Benefits: None; they are considered a public health pest.

Identified on: 9/23/2025