George uses another term to describe the suspected crab lice when he asks Candy, "Then how come he got graybacks?" Bedbugs and roaches are very dark-colored. Only crab lice could be described as gray. Candy is defensive because as the "swamper" it is his job to keep the bunkhouse clean.

What does whitewashed mean in Of Mice and Men?

Whitewashed. Definition: (of a surface) painted uniformly white. Example: "The bunk house was a long, rectangular building.

What does skittering mean in Of Mice and Men?

skitter. move about or proceed hurriedly.