Bed Bug (Cast Skin/Exuvia)

Natural Habitat

Found almost exclusively in human dwellings, typically in cracks and crevices near sleeping areas, specifically mattress seams, box springs, headboards, and behind wallpaper.

Diet & Feeding

Hematophagous (feed exclusively on blood), preferring human hosts but occasionally feeding on other warm-blooded animals like poultry or pets.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and cryptic; they hide during the day in tight crevices. Nymphs molt (shed their skin) 5 times before reaching adulthood, leaving behind the translucent amber-colored skins shown in the image.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Their bites cause itchy red welts, anxiety, and insomnia. They are not known to transmit disease to humans but are major nuisance pests that reproduce rapidly. Benefits: None known.

Identified on: 3/21/2026