Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Human dwellings, specifically in cracks, crevices, mattress seams, and bed frames where they can access host blood at night.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages (blood feeders), primarily feeding on human blood but will feed on other warm-blooded animals if necessary.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal parasites that 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

Risks include itchy skin welts, allergic reactions, insomnia, and psychological distress. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. There are no known benefits to humans or ecosystems, as they are considered significant indoor pests.

Identified on: 1/13/2026