The average lifespan of a bed bug is 10 months to 1 year. However, during that time they will be mating and laying eggs, ensuring new generations of bugs for years to come. Keep in mind that while bed bugs only feed on blood, they don’t just target humans. Bed bugs will feed on rodents, pets, and other animals if they have to.
Bed bug eggs can survive in temperatures up to 130 °F (54 °C).
Low humidity levels (meaning levels under 15%) can kill bed bugs in a matter of hours. Their bodies don’t perform well under dry conditions, because they need moisture to survive.
Identify bed bugs by looking for soft, red excrement on mattresses and box springs. Alternatively, examine yourself or anyone in the home for itchy, red bites, especially right after you wake up.
Bed bugs are nocturnal, meaning they mostly come out at night. However, you can find bed bugs during the day by checking any nooks and crannies in the home.
Once the bed bugs are dead, uncover your mattress and vacuum up any dead bugs you see.
Steam is great for soft fabrics and materials that can’t be washed, like couches, carpets, and curtains.
Have any items that can’t be washed? Bag them up in plastic bags to suffocate the bed bugs. They’ll be dead in 1 to 2 weeks.
Professionals will often use heat treatments or pesticides to kill bed bugs and their eggs.
