Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Human dwellings, specifically cracks and crevices in mattresses, headboards, bed frames, and upholstered furniture.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They go through a simple metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to progress to each life stage.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy bites, allergic reactions, secondary skin infections from scratching, and significant psychological distress/anxiety. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but are considered a major public health pest. There are no known benefits.

Identified on: 3/6/2026