How Long Do Bed Bugs Live in a Plastic Bag?
WouterThe answer to the question “how long do bed bugs live in a plastic-sealed bag?” depends on several factors. For instance, the warmer the temperature, the faster the bed bugs’ metabolism and energy stores will run out. It is generally safe to remove items from a sealed plastic bag after three months in a temperature of 70 degrees or higher. However, if the temperature is lower, it may be necessary to store the items for longer. Therefore, unheated closets or sheds are not the best places to store these bags.
Another factor that influences the survival of bed bugs in a plastic bag is the amount of fresh air it has. These bugs prefer fresh air. However, vacuum-sealed bags may kill the bugs faster since they do not have enough air to live in the bag. Alternatively, airtight plastic bags, such as those used for vacuum cleaners, will cut off the air, thus keeping bed bugs in the bag.
While plastic-sealed bags do a good job of trapping bed bugs, they do not provide complete protection. You need to make sure that the plastic is sealed properly and that there is no way for the bugs to get out. For this reason, it is not advisable to use a plastic bag as a primary method of eradicating bed bugs.
