Bed Bug

Found globally in human dwellings, typically nesting in mattresses, bed frames, headboards, and cracks or crevices near sleeping areas.

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

Nocturnal parasites that emerge at night to feed. They undergo hemimetabolous metamorphosis across five nymphal stages, requiring a blood meal to molt into each subsequent stage.

Risks include itchy welts, allergic reactions, and psychological distress (insomnia/anxiety). While they do not reliably transmit diseases to humans, they are a significant nuisance pest and difficult to eradicate. There are no known ecological benefits for humans.