Bed Bug Skeleton (Exuvia)

Typically found in human dwellings, hidden in mattress seams, cracks in furniture, behind wallpaper, and in bedding.

Hematophagous (feeds exclusively on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded hosts).

Nocturnal and elusive. Bed bugs go through 5 nymphal stages, shedding their skin (molting) at each stage to grow. This image depicts one of those shed skins (cast skin). They aggregate in cracks and crevices near their host.

Risks: Bed bug bites cause itchy welts, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress/anxiety. While not proven to be major vectors of disease, infestations are difficult and expensive to eradicate. Benefits: None known.