NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam 2025 - Free School Nurse Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

The typical activity pattern of bed bugs is nocturnal activity. Bed bugs are most active at night, which aligns with their feeding habits, as they prefer to feed on human blood while their hosts are asleep and less likely to notice their presence. They are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide, which humans naturally emit while sleeping, making night the optimal time for them to feed without attracting attention.

Understanding this behavior is important for effective pest control and prevention strategies, as this nocturnal nature can inform when to inspect for signs of bed bugs or when to apply treatments. Bed bugs are nocturnal insects, which means they rest and hide in secluded areas during the day, making them less visible and harder to detect.

Other patterns mentioned in the options do not accurately reflect the behavior of bed bugs. For example, being primarily active at dawn would suggest a different feeding strategy, which is not the case. Similarly, while warmth can influence their activity, it is not a defining characteristic. Therefore, recognizing their nocturnal activity can assist in addressing infestations and mitigating health risks associated with their bites.