Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Human dwellings, primarily found in cracks and crevices of mattresses, bed frames, headboards, and upholstered furniture.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophagous (blood-feeders), primarily targeting humans but may also feed on other warm-blooded animals.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and can survive for months without a blood meal.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy allergic reactions to bites, sleep deprivation, and psychological distress. While they do not transmit diseases, they are considered a major urban pest that is difficult and expensive to eradicate. They offer no known benefits to humans.

Identified on: 2/17/2026