Can A Bed Bug Live Without Feeding On Blood From A Host

Bed bugs are a real problem in the United States and everyone is susceptible to having bed bugs infest their home. The bed bug can easily attach to a backpack, suitcase, clothing and furniture while you are out in public. Bed bugs are very small and they can spread easily which is why when you travel or are at school you need to be aware and be careful. If you find yourself on the end of a bed bug infestation you need to know what you are up against and what needs to be done to treat the problem. The cycle of a bed bug is interesting and the studies done to determine how long they can actually last without feeding on blood are also interesting.

Eagle Pest Services Explains The Life Cycle Of A Bed Bug & How Long They Can Live Without Feeding On Blood

What Is The Seven Step Life Cycle Of A Bed Bug: The bed bug is a like many other small pests and starts out as an egg. The female bed bugs are able to lay up to five eggs a day once they hit adulthood. These eggs are extremely small and are white in color. When the egg hatches, out emerges a tiny live bed bug called a nymph. The nymph although it is small, is able to feed on blood from a person that is usually sleeping. They attach to the exposed area of the skin and will feed until they are full. Once that happens the bed bug will molt and that process will happen again several times. They will molt and feed four more times until the seventh stage. That is when the bed bug has reached full maturity and is an adult. The adult bed bug will continue to feed on blood and can molt until it is treated or exterminated. The adult females will also lay eggs which will continue to allow the life cycle to progress.

How Long Do They Live Without Blood from a Host: The studies that have been done are not new and there are some major differences between the two. One of the studies was done with adult bed bugs that were kept away from a feeding and the results were that some of them were able to live for up to 18 months without food. The other study kept the bed bug from the egg and as soon as they were adults were kept away from feeding. The hardiest of this group lasted just over four months. No matter what study you look at it seems that leaving your home for an extended period of time to get rid of bed bugs is not an option. The better bet is to hire a professional pest control that specializes in bed bug inspection and treatment. Eagle Pest Services offers specialized bed bug services so give us a call today!