Bed bugs are resilient pests that can cause a lot of headaches, but what happens if your property is vacant? How long can they really survive without people around to feed on?
You might think they’ll simply starve and disappear, but that’s not quite the case. Let’s take a closer look at how long bed bugs can live in a vacant house and what factors play into their survival.
How Long Can Bed Bugs Survive Without Blood?
Bed bugs are notorious for their ability to adapt to different environments, and that includes surviving without a regular blood meal. These pests can go longer without feeding than most people realize, and it doesn’t matter if the infestation is in a busy hotel or a vacant house.
In fact, an adult bed bug can live for up to 4.5 months without a blood source under the right conditions. That’s because they enter a sort of low-energy mode when food is scarce, slowing their metabolism and conserving energy until they find a host again.
However, temperature and humidity are key factors here. In cooler environments, bed bugs can go dormant, meaning they’ll last even longer without food. In warmer, humid conditions, they stay more active, which can shorten their survival time without a meal.
How Long Can Bed Bugs Live Without Food?
When we talk about how long bed bugs can live without food, we’re really talking about how long they can go without a blood meal. While they don’t eat furniture or debris like some other pests, they can still survive for quite a while in an empty house.
In a property with no humans, pets, or other potential blood sources, adult bed bugs can live for several months, depending on the temperature and humidity levels.
If a house remains vacant but temperatures drop below 25°F for an extended period, bed bugs can’t survive beyond a few weeks. Issues arise with fluctuating temperatures, like those that rise during the day and drop at night.
Such temperatures might allow bed bugs to hold on. That’s why bed bugs in an empty house may still be a problem months after people move out.
What Factors Impact Bed Bug Survival in a Vacant Home?
You might be wondering why bed bugs can last so long, even when a home is unoccupied. Well, there are a few reasons for that:
Temperature
Bed bugs thrive in environments between 70°F and 80°F, so if your vacant house is kept at a comfortable temperature, they’ll likely stick around longer. Extremely cold or hot temperatures can kill them, but homes don’t typically maintain those extreme conditions for long periods without intervention.
Hiding Spots
Bed bugs are experts at finding safe places to hide. Even if there’s no furniture left in a house, bed bugs will find their way into cracks in the walls, under floorboards, or behind light switch covers. These hiding spots allow them to wait until conditions improve—like when a new host moves in.
Humidity
Bed bugs rely on moisture to survive, and homes with higher humidity can sustain them longer, even without food. If the air inside is dry, bed bugs might not last as long because they’ll dehydrate more quickly.
Alternative Hosts
While bed bugs prefer humans, they can feed on other animals, such as pets or rodents. If any wildlife finds its way into the house, bed bugs might use them as a food source, extending their survival.
Why Waiting for Bed Bugs to Die Off Isn’t the Solution
If you’re thinking you might be able to leave your house empty for a few months and let the bed bugs die off, it’s important to know that this plan doesn’t always work out.
Bed bugs are extremely good at hiding and waiting for the right conditions to come along. Even after months of vacancy, you could still come back to an infestation.
What’s more, bed bugs can lay eggs that hatch later on, restarting the cycle. So, even if some bed bugs die during the vacancy, new ones could emerge and continue the problem. That’s why the best course of action is always to treat a bed bug infestation as soon as possible.
How EasyPM Can Help
At EasyPM, we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with bed bugs, especially in a vacant property. That’s why we offer heat treatment, one of the most effective ways to get rid of bed bugs—whether your home is occupied or not.
Unlike other methods, heat treatment kills bed bugs at all stages of life, including eggs, and can reach into even the smallest hiding spots.
How It Works
Once our qualified experts have identified the presence of bed bugs, we raise the temperature in the affected areas to over 140°F, which is deadly to bed bugs. This heat penetrates cracks, crevices, and other areas where bed bugs might be hiding, eliminating the infestation in one treatment.
Plus, it’s safe for your furniture and belongings, so you don’t have to worry about damage or needing multiple applications.
Why Heat Treatment Is the Best Option for Vacant Homes
Heat treatment isn’t just effective; it’s fast. In just a few hours, you can be bed bug-free, even if your home has been vacant for a while. And because it kills bed bugs at every stage—egg, nymph, and adult—you won’t have to worry about a new wave of bed bugs hatching and causing more problems down the road.
If you’re dealing with bed bugs in a vacant property, heat treatment offers a reliable solution. At EasyPM, we’ll inspect your home, identify any problem areas, and apply the treatment with precision to ensure the bed bugs are gone for good.
How Long Do Bed Bugs Live in a Vacant House?
Bed bugs can live for several months in a vacant home, especially if conditions are favorable. While they can’t survive indefinitely without a blood meal, waiting for them to die off isn’t a guaranteed fix.
Instead of taking that chance, consider calling in a professional like EasyPM to handle the problem for you. With our effective heat treatments, we can help you reclaim your property quickly and discreetly.
Bed bugs won’t stand a chance, no matter how long your house has been empty. Contact us today for a free estimate, and let’s get your home bed bug-free in no time.
