What Are Bed Bug Casings? Key Signs of Bed Bugs

After a long, relaxing getaway, the last thing you'll want is an unwelcome traveler following you back home! With more of the population traveling and enjoying time with their families, bed bug cases have skyrocketed across the country. 

Bed bugs have found new ways to infest your home, from sneaking into luggage to hitching a ride on secondhand thrift store items. Because of their quick spread, it's crucial to contain and eliminate a bed bug infestation before it spirals out of hand. 

Besides itchy and often painful bites, bed bug casings are another sign of bed bugs to look out for, as they usually indicate a growing population. Keep reading to learn more about bed bug shells and how these discarded parts can clue you into the pests in your room.

How Did I Get Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals and routinely infest homes, apartments, and hotels. Most homeowners notice signs of an infestation following a vacation or overnight stay.

Hotels are often unfortunate vectors of these tiny blood-sucking insects. When guests bring luggage, clothing, or furniture into a hotel, the bed bugs can quickly spread to other rooms and areas of the hotel.

Infested people can also introduce bed bugs to other locations. These pests can hitch a ride on clothing or bags, be transported to another place, and quickly establish a new colony in the new environment.

Secondhand items are also a common source of bed bug infestations. Furniture, clothing, toys, and linens can introduce bed bugs to new locations, while thrifted couches, mattresses, or other furniture can house hidden bed bugs. 

Remain vigilant when traveling and inspect secondhand items to prevent bed bug infestations. When staying in a hotel, check the room for bed bugs before settling in. If you suspect an infestation, contact a pest control professional immediately.

What are Bed Bug Casings?

Bed bug casings are exoskeletons left behind following molting. They are typically small, elongated, and reddish-brown in color. You can usually find the casings in spaces where bed bugs frequent, like the seams of mattresses, on the edges of bed frames, and in the crevices of furniture.

These shells are a sign that bed bugs are present in the area and can indicate a longstanding bed bug infestation. It is best to have a professional inspect the area for bed bugs and casings, as they have the knowledge and experience to identify them.

Cleaning Casings From Your Mattress

Cleaning up the casings can be an important step in controlling an infestation. 

Once you’ve found evidence of the shed skin, vacuum the area thoroughly. Use a strong vacuum cleaner to suck up bed bug casings and other debris. Be sure to focus on areas of infestation and pay special attention to crevices and tight spaces.

Afterward, dispose of the vacuum contents by sealing the vacuum cleaner bag in a plastic bag and disposing of it in an outdoor trash bin immediately. You may have accidentally vacuumed up bed bugs, and you’ll want to remove them to avoid infesting other areas in your home. 

Following a thorough cleaning, wash and dry any bedding or clothing where the bed bugs may have resided. Any item in contact with bed bugs should be washed in hot water and dried on the highest heat setting.

For extra measures, you can also utilize a steamer on carpeted areas or rugs. Because high temperatures can eliminate bed bugs, steam cleaning your floor with the soapy cleaning solution can kill the bugs and clean up their casings. 

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Getting rid of bed bugs can be challenging for the average homeowner, but some steps can help control an infestation. 

Inspect for bed bugs: Look for signs of bed bugs, such as live bugs, shed skins, and blood spots. Pay special attention to areas where people sleep, such as beds, sofas, and chairs. You can also inspect carpets, rugs, clothing, and baseboards for evidence of these pests. 

Clean and declutter: Keep your home clean and free of clutter, as bed bugs can hide in discarded clothing and debris. Vacuum frequently, and wash bedding and clothing in hot water. 

Seal cracks and crevices: Seal any cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and furniture to prevent bed bugs from hiding in your home. While they can’t come inside from the outdoors, they will exploit any nearby cracks and crevices to hide away. 

Contact a pest control professional: While these steps can help control an infestation, it is often not enough to eliminate the problem. A professional pest control company can provide a thorough inspection and treatment plan to get rid of bed bugs.

When you need effective bed bug control, give us a call!

Contact us here to schedule a bed bug treatment from us here at Zunex! We’re proud to serve residents in the Greater Puget Sound with any of their pest control needs. 

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