How Long Do Bed Bugs Last Without a Host?
WouterBed bugs need a host to survive. Without this, they will starve. However, bedbugs can also survive for months without a host, as they feed on animals such as mice and rats. The only way to kill them is to seal the mattress cover. However, this is not a guaranteed cure.
Bedbugs are active mainly at night and tend to hide close to areas of human activity or bedding. They are often carried by cloth materials, clothing, and bags. Consequently, a bedbug infestation will be most likely to occur in a bedroom, but it can spread to other rooms.
Many people with bed bug infestations think they can starve the pests to death by going on vacation or staying with a relative for a month. However, you might be surprised to know that bedbugs can survive without a host for months or even years. If you’re able to get rid of the infestation quickly, you can leave the infested area for good.
When you are sleeping, bedbugs feed on your skin and inject a small amount of saliva into your skin. This saliva may cause an allergic reaction, and you’ll want to wash it off as soon as possible. If you have bedbugs, you’ll probably have a red welt on your skin for days or weeks.
