Bed Bug

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, primarily in cracks and crevices near human sleeping areas such as mattresses, box springs, and bed frames.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and elusive; they use heat and carbon dioxide to locate hosts, feed for 3-10 minutes, and then hide to digest. They reproduce via traumatic insemination and have a hemimetabolous life cycle.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include itchy skin rashes, psychological distress, and allergic reactions. While not known to transmit diseases, they are significant domestic pests that are difficult and expensive to eradicate.

Identified on: 2/26/2026