How Long Do Bed Bugs Live If They Don’t Feed?
WouterIf you have a bed bug infestation, you might wonder how to get rid of it. This pest is known to live and feed in carpets, furniture, and mattresses. Unlike most other insects, bedbugs don’t feed on organic waste or food crumbs, and instead feed on human blood. That means that your pets are also at risk for being infested.
Adult bedbugs will stay alive for five to ten months if conditions are right. This means they can produce multiple generations each year. During this period, female bedbugs lay as many as 200 eggs. The eggs will develop into nymphs in about 10 days or so at room temperature. Once they emerge from the eggs, they will need a blood meal before molting into a mature adult.
While it is possible for bed bugs to survive for a long time without food, their survival is dependent on several factors. The temperature of the environment, pesticide resistance, and the maturity of the bug all affect their survival rate. For example, if the temperature is cold, bed bugs must travel a shorter distance in order to feed. On the other hand, if it’s hot, bed bugs must expend more energy to survive.
Aside from living in beds, bed bugs can also hide outdoors. They can hide in woodpiles, pergolas, and general lawn clutter. If you’re not careful, they’ll find a way to get inside your home. After all, you don’t want to be the next victim of a bed bug infestation.
