What is the preferred host of the common bed bug?

The common bed bug primarily feeds on human blood, making humans the preferred host. These small, reddish-brown insects have developed a strong association with human environments, especially in places like homes, hotels, and other living spaces where people are present. Bed bugs are nocturnal pests, often hiding during the day in cracks, crevices, and bedding, and they emerge at night to feed.

While bed bugs may feed on other hosts, including dogs, cats, and rodents, humans are biologically favored due to their closer proximity and higher body temperature, which attracts these pests. This unique relationship highlights the importance of understanding their host preferences in pest control and prevention strategies.