Bed bug shed skin
Bed bug shed skin. Knowing that bed bugs have shed their skin in or around your bed is one of the most common signs that you have a major problem on your hands. This molten skin is actually the insect's exoskeleton and indicates that a bed bug infestation may be in full swing.
What do bed bug skins look like?
A bed bug's skin looks almost identical to a live bed bug. The difference between the skin and a real insect is that the exoskeleton will look empty and transparent and will obviously not be able to move. Newer infections have fewer skins because adults don't shed.
As the infestation progresses and mating continues, immature bed bugs begin to make up the majority of the population. At this point, each adult bed bug has already exploded several times. Because shed veneer does not degrade at the same rate, it begins to build up over time.
This means you have a better chance of spotting bed bug exoskeletons than actual bed bugs, especially since the skins are found in large clumps along mattress seams, box springs, headboards, baseboards, and even attached to your clothes, bed, and pajamas.
- Bed bug egg - 1 mm.
- First instar nymph: 1.5 mm.
- The second instar nymph: 2 mm
- Third instar nymph: 2.5 mm
- Fourth instar nymph - 3 mm
- Fifth age: 4.5 mm.
How often are bed bugs shed?
Bed bugs shed only after they have finished a blood meal in each of the first five stages of their lives. Depending on food availability (i.e. blood sources) and temperature, each stage lasts about a week under ideal conditions. If conditions are very cold or food is not available, each subsequent shed or shed may take longer.
What to do about expelling bed bugs
When you find Bed bug shed skin, stop your search immediately. Continuing to search or clean may disturb, scatter and hide live insects. This could potentially spread the infection to other parts of your home. Alternatively, contact Terminix® to get rid of bed bugs and their soiled fur.
Source : terminix.com
