How Long Can Bed Bugs Survive Without Feeding? The Nightmare That Just Won’t End!
Imagine this: You’ve just spent a small fortune on brand-new furniture, tossed your old mattress out the door, and even called in the pros to handle a bed bug infestation. You finally sleep peacefully, believing the nightmare is over. But wait… six months later, they’re back! How? How is this possible? Are bed bugs part of some elite squad of survivalists? Do they hold tiny boot camp training sessions under your floorboards?
Well, if you’ve ever wondered how long bed bugs can survive without feeding, buckle up—because these little bloodsuckers have some serious survival skills.
And if you just want them gone for good, our team at Simpl Pest Control can make sure you don’t lose sleep over these tiny vampires ever again.
How Long Can Bed Bugs Live Without Food?
The short answer? Way too long.
Bed bugs are professional freeloaders. They don’t need to eat every day, or even every week. In fact, under the right conditions, they can survive months without feeding—just sitting in the shadows, waiting for their chance to feast again.
Here’s a quick breakdown of their starvation endurance:
- At normal room temperature (70-75°F): Bed bugs can survive 2-6 months without a meal.
- In cooler conditions (below 55°F): They slow down their metabolism and can last up to a year without food.
- In warm, humid conditions: They’ll likely last around 2-3 months before perishing.
So if you thought moving out for a month would starve them out, think again. They wait, they hide, and they return—which is why professional bed bug extermination is the only way to completely get rid of them.
How Do Bed Bugs Survive So Long Without Food?
Bed bugs aren’t magical creatures, but they might as well be. Here’s how they cheat death for so long:
1. Slowing Down Their Metabolism
Bed bugs can hibernate in a way. If no food is around, they enter a semi-dormant state, where they reduce their energy use and just… sit there, biding their time.
2. Taking Shelter in Impossible Places
Think you can starve them out by sleeping on the couch? Wrong. Bed bugs are like the hide-and-seek champions of the insect world. They tuck themselves into cracks, behind wallpaper, inside electrical outlets, and even in your luggage.
3. They Detect CO₂ from a Distance
Bed bugs sense your breath. If you exhale, they know you’re there. The moment they detect a warm-blooded human nearby, they spring back to life and resume their mission of making your nights miserable.
Signs That Bed Bugs Are Still Lurking
Even if you haven’t seen a bed bug in months, that doesn’t mean they’re gone. Look for these signs that they’re planning a comeback:
✔ Small reddish-brown stains on your sheets (bed bug excrement—yes, gross).
✔ Tiny eggshells or shed skins in mattress seams or furniture.
✔ Itchy bites in a straight line or cluster (bed bugs are organized in their feeding habits).
✔ A musty, sweet odor (yes, they smell like bad cologne).
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call Simpl Pest Control before they start throwing a family reunion in your bedroom.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs for Good
Bed bugs aren’t the type of pest you can just wish away. If you want to eradicate them completely, here’s what you need to do:
1. Call Professional Bed Bug Exterminators
DIY methods like store-bought sprays and bed bug traps won’t solve the problem. You need a comprehensive approach that eliminates every last bug and egg.
At Simpl Pest Control, we don’t just kill the bugs you see—we wipe out the ones hiding in the walls, furniture, and crevices.
2. Wash and Dry Everything on High Heat
Bed bugs hate heat. Wash all bedding, clothes, and fabrics on the hottest setting possible. Then, throw them in the dryer for at least 30 minutes to make sure any lingering bed bugs are toasted.
3. Vacuum Every Inch of Your Home
Vacuuming can suck up eggs and hiding bugs. But don’t just vacuum the carpet—hit the mattress seams, furniture, and even baseboards. Immediately throw out the vacuum bag outside.
4. Use Mattress and Box Spring Covers
Bed bug-proof encasements trap any remaining bugs inside, where they’ll eventually starve (hopefully).
5. Don’t Forget About Your Furniture
Bed bugs don’t just infest beds. They love sofas, chairs, and even wooden furniture. A deep clean and treatment are a must.
Why You Need Pest Control with No Contract
Some pest control companies lock you into a contract, even after a single treatment. But at Simpl Pest Control, we believe bed bug extermination should be simple—no strings attached.
✔ One-time, effective treatments—no unnecessary repeat visits.
✔ No hidden fees or contracts—pay only for what you need.
✔ Quick response times—because no one should sleep with bed bugs longer than they have to.
If you want a home that’s 100% bed bug-free, contact us today.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Bed Bugs Outlast You
Bed bugs are the worst roommates ever. They hide, they bite, and they refuse to die without a fight.
But with the right professional treatment, thorough cleaning, and preventative measures, you can win the battle—and sleep peacefully again.
✔ Wash and dry everything on high heat.
✔ Vacuum every inch of your home.
✔ Call the pros at Simpl Pest Control for a no-contract solution that works.
Because the only thing that should be crawling into your bed at night… is you! 🛏️💤
