The Teenage Phase
By day 20, the nymphs were no longer microscopic. They were now “teenagers” in the insect world. They were shedding their skins (molting), leaving behind tiny, dusty shells that can trigger asthma and allergies. Mark started sneezing more often in the mornings, but he blamed it on the seasonal pollen count, popping antihistamines instead of checking the baseboards.
The bugs were getting bolder. They ventured out further from the baseboards to find more food. They found the grease trap behind the oven. They found the moisture under the sink. They were thriving. And because they were nocturnal, Mark and Sarah still rarely saw them. The infestation was bubbling just below the surface of their perception, like an iceberg waiting to strike.