Bed Bug

Indoor environments, primarily in cracks and crevices near sleeping areas such as mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and headboards. They are also found in furniture, behind wallpaper, and under carpet edges.

Hematophagous (feed exclusively on blood), primarily preferring human blood, although they can feed on other warm-blooded animals if necessary.

Nocturnal and elusive, typically feeding while the host sleeps. They are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide. After feeding, they retreat to hidden aggregations. They do not fly or jump but crawl quickly.

Risks: Bed bugs cause itchy red bites that can lead to secondary skin infections, anxiety, and insomnia. While they are not known to transmit diseases to humans, infestations are difficult and costly to eradicate. Benefits: None known for humans or household ecosystems.