How long can bed bugs live in an empty house? Bed bugs are one of the most annoying pests to discover in your home. What affects bed bugs’ survival? Where do bed bugs hide in empty homes? How to get rid of bed bugs in an empty house?
Bed bugs can survive without food for anywhere between 20 days and 400 days, according to research. Let’s take a closer look.
Things You Should Know
- Particularly in conditions of moderate temperatures and high humidity, bed bugs can survive for three to five months without feeding.
- If no human hosts are present, bed bugs will turn to eating rodents and other animals as food.
- Inspect furniture for possible bed bug hiding places. If there’s no furniture in the home, check any cracks in the walls, behind electrical outlets, or underneath floorboards.
- Vacuuming frequently and washing delicates in hot water will help you get rid of bed bugs. To have your property inspected and to permanently get rid of the bugs, call an exterminator.
Factors That Affect Bed Bug Survival
Temperature
Bed bugs can withstand a wide temperature range, but extreme cold or warm temps will kill them. In general, bed bugs can only survive in temperatures between minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit (-25 degrees Celsius) and plus 119 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius).
- Bed bug eggs can endure temperatures as high as 130 °F (54 °C).
Humidity
In areas with high relative humidity, bed bugs flourish. According to research, adult bed bugs can survive for a very long time in a humidity range of 75% to 100%. The lifespan of adult bed bugs does, however, decrease as the humidity rises.
- Low humidity levels (meaning levels under 15%) can kill bed bugs in a matter of hours. Because they require moisture to survive, their bodies don’t function well in dry environments.
Age
The ability of older bed bugs to go longer periods without a meal. While adult bed bugs might be able to last months, young bed bugs may only survive for a few weeks.
Where Do Bed Bugs Hide in Empty Homes?
Whatever furniture is left in the house will harbor bed bugs.Beds, couches, and chairs are common places for bed bugs to gather where people sleep or relax. Bed bugs will still congregate on the furniture in the house even when there are no people present.
- On mattresses and box springs, look for soft, red excrement to identify bed bugs.
- Instead, check yourself or anyone else in the house for irritated, bloodshot bites, especially as soon as you awaken.
Bed bugs can conceal themselves in the floorboards, walls, and electrical outlets.Bed bugs can’t be permanently eliminated by simply moving furniture, unfortunately. These insects are so small that they can easily squeeze into wall cracks, behind electrical outlets, behind lagging trim or molding, and underneath floorboards. If the house is empty or you cannot find bed bugs on any furniture, search for them in these locations.
- Being nocturnal, bed bugs typically emerge at night. Checking all of the cracks and crevices in the house during the day will help you find bed bugs, though.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in An Empty House?
The process of getting rid of bed bugs in an empty house is similar to getting rid of them in an occupied house, although it is a bit simpler and faster.
Remove any bedding, couches, or other furniture if present, and transport any sheets, blankets, pillows, etc. to the washer in large, airtight bags or containers (so that bed bugs don’t spread through the hallways as you make your way there). then dry with high heat after washing in hot water.
In order to ensure that bed bugs are eliminated as soon as possible and that no bed bugs are left hiding in cracks or crevices in walls or flooring, follow our other advice for getting rid of bed bugs, which includes hiring a professional exterminator.
FAQs
Will Bed Bugs Leave If There is No Host?
They are less resilient than fully grown bed bugs, and they are more likely to starve to death if they are not provided with a host. In more hospitable climates, a bed bug can go for several months without food. That means that even if you leave your house for a couple of weeks, the bed bugs will still be there when you get back.
How Long Can Bedbugs Live on Furniture?
The typical life span of a bed bug is between 10 months and a year. In general, bed bugs look for a blood meal every 4 to 5 days. However, they can survive for weeks to a year without eating. Before using any pesticides, be sure to carefully read all labels.
Will Bed Bugs Go Away on Their Own?
Bed bugs won’t disappear on their own, so don’t count on it. In theory, they can. In reality, they don’t unless a number of extremely specific events take place. Professional bed bug treatment is your best bet.
What Kills Bed Bugs Permanently?
Pyrethroids are synthetic chemical insecticides that act like pyrethrins. Both substances are poisonous to bed bugs and can kill them by forcing them out of their hiding places.
Summary: How Long Can Bed Bugs Live in An Empty House?
If you have a bedbug infestation, you’ve probably already noticed that they feed on you while you sleep. It’s pretty difficult to miss the red, itchy bites. These bothersome parasites don’t eat other kinds of food or drink. All the sustenance and hydration they need, they get from your blood. Without a host to feed on, bedbugs will eventually die, but that can take several months, even in an empty house.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment. My Prime Home tries to give you the best home improvement information. Don’t forget to share the post. Thank you for reading.
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