Do Bed Bugs Need a Host?
WouterBed bugs feed primarily on humans, but will also feed on other mammals and birds. They are nocturnal and can be active for three to 12 minutes per meal. If they are not able to find a suitable host, they will move on to a different location to feed.
Without a host, bedbugs will likely die after a few weeks. A single adult bedbug can survive for up to 4.5 months in ideal conditions. The host must be able to provide them with moisture for feeding. When the humidity has been exhausted, bedbugs will dry out.
While bedbugs are not known to transmit disease, they do feed on blood. If you find a bedbug in your home, do not try to scratch it. This can result in an infection. It is important to wash your clothing and make sure you remove any clothing that has been in contact with bedbugs.
Bedding and furniture that has been in contact with bedbugs should be disposed of as soon as possible. Be sure to thoroughly inspect second-hand furniture before bringing it home. Infested items should be removed as soon as possible, and any discarded items should be placed in a dumpster or waste disposal facility. It is important to keep the clutter to a minimum, as this can hide bedbugs.
Although bedbugs can live for long periods of time without feeding, they cannot survive without a host. They will migrate in search of food and may be starving. If they are starving, they would only be found in an abandoned house, or isolated from other sources of food.
