Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Dwellings, especially beds; cracks and crevices in walls, furniture, and mattresses.

Diet & Feeding

Exclusively blood-feeders (hematophagous), preferring human blood but will feed on other warm-blooded animals if humans are not available.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They are attracted to carbon dioxide and body heat. Bites often appear in lines or clusters.

Risks & Benefits

Potential Risks: Bites can cause itchy welts, skin irritation, and secondary infections from scratching. They can cause anxiety and sleep disturbances. While not proven to transmit diseases in humans, their bites are a public health nuisance. Potential Benefits: None known for humans or the ecosystem; primarily considered a pest.

Identified on: 9/4/2025