Bed bug

Natural Habitat

Found indoors, primarily in buildings where humans sleep, such as bedrooms, hotels, and apartments, residing in cracks, crevices, mattresses, and furniture.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

Mainly nocturnal; they hide during the day and emerge at night to feed. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and require a blood meal to molt into each successive stage.

Risks & Benefits

No known benefits. Risks include itchy, red welts from bites, allergic reactions, secondary skin infections from scratching, and significant psychological distress or insomnia.

Identified on: 12/31/2025