Do Bed Bugs Shed Their Shell

Bed bugs are known to shed their exoskeletons during their life cycle. These discarded skins can be found in places like mattress seams and wall cracks. Bed bugs typically shed their skin five times before reaching adulthood, which takes around 40 days at room temperature. The time between each shedding stage can vary depending on environmental factors like temperature and food availability.

It's important to note that finding exoskeletons doesn't necessarily mean an active infestation is present. Still, it's crucial to address any signs of bed bugs immediately, including bites, visible bugs, fecal stains or eggshells.

If you suspect a bed bug problem or have recently discovered discarded skins in your home, take action right away. Replacing your mattress may be necessary if it has become infested but simply throwing it out won't solve the issue since bed bugs can survive for months without feeding.

Contacting a professional exterminator is the best course of action. They will develop a customized treatment plan based on the severity of the infestation and type of dwelling. Options include using insecticides or heat treatments depending on what is most effective for your situation.

Getting rid of bed bugs takes patience and persistence but taking immediate action will prevent them from spreading further and causing more damage over time.