Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, specifically in cracks and crevices near human sleeping areas, such as mattress seams, bed frames, and behind baseboards.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages, meaning they feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans. They typically feed at night while the host is asleep.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive. They undergo hemimetabolous metamorphosis (egg, nymphal stages, and adult). They do not fly or jump but can crawl rapidly across floors, walls, and ceilings.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy red welts, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress or insomnia. While they are not known to transmit diseases to humans, infestations are difficult and expensive to eradicate. They offer no known benefits to the ecosystem in human-inhabited areas.

Identified on: 1/13/2026