Bed bug exuviae (shed skin)

Indoor environments, specifically in cracks, crevices, mattresses, box springs, and headboards near human sleeping areas.

Not applicable to shed skins; live bed bugs feed exclusively on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals.

Bed bugs shed their exoskeleton (molt) five times before reaching adulthood, leaving behind translucent to brownish cast skins in their harborage areas.

Shed skins do not bite or feed, but their presence strongly indicates a bed bug infestation, which can cause severe skin irritation from bites, allergic reactions, secondary infections, and psychological distress.