Updated at: 26-08-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Bed bugs are a common household pest that can be difficult to eradicate once they are brought into your home. Furthermore, you do not want these bloodsucking creatures inside your house.

If you discover signs of a bug infestation, you may want to ask a key and commonly requested question as part of your “bug exorcism” preparation.

For how long can these pests exist without sustenance? Will starvation ultimately be their downfall?

Is it possible to starve out the bed bugs in your home?

It’s a lot to keep up of, and we get that. That’s why we’re here to offer you the full lowdown on all these pesky critters.

This course will teach you all you need to know about the life cycle of bed bugs, including what they eat, how often they need to eat, and how to get rid of them once and for all.

Today is going to be a blast, so we hope you can join us.

How Long Can Bed Bugs Live Without a Food Source?

It’s possible that the majority of you think that if you remove all sources of sustenance for bugs, they’ll simply go. Using this strategy, you won’t have to bother about about getting rid of them.

How Long Can Bed Bugs Live Without Food? - PestSeek

We would we could say the same about eradicating bedbugs, but alas, these tiny pests have proven to be quite a challenge!

Adult bed bugs can survive for a year without eating.

A more reasonable range would be somewhere between twenty and four hundred days.

In most cases, the ambient temperature and humidity will dictate how long they can go without eating.

In spite of their diminutive size, bed bugs may be able to survive in a wide range of environmental temperatures. Because of their small size and the flattened shape of their bodies, they can fit into extremely narrow spaces.

What Bed Bugs Usually Feed On

Since they feed on blood, it is only natural that they would seek it out. In spite of the fact that human blood isn’t the healthiest choice for humans, it’s a tasty feast for these parasites.

Common bed bugs, on the other hand, favor human blood above that of animals. If it cannot get its hands on human blood, it will still consume the blood of other mammals, rodents, and even birds.

What Is The Frequency Of Bed Bugs Feeding?

But the feeding habits of these microscopic pests are quite unpredictable. That they don’t keep regular hours is what we mean.

When food is abundant, an adult bed bug will only need to feed once a week, and perhaps not at all until every five to twelve days.

Once a week, you need to feed the bed bug nymphs so they can grow and molt. The time it takes to feed a bed bug nymph might range from 2 minutes to 5 minutes. Some of the larger insects may take as long as five minutes to expire.

Although it is common for these parasites to feed at night, the following factors may influence how often they do so:

  • population density of bedbugs
  • foods easily accessible
  • the state of their currently inhabited building

location and building conditions

Bed Bugs Feeding Cycle

condition of the building in which they are presently residing

Misinterpretation of one’s eating habits is quite typical. Even now, we tend to think that bedbugs are nocturnal and only come out to feed then. The problem is that this is only partially true. These insects can eat throughout the daytime if they have a strong desire to do so, which is all that is needed.

There is a common misconception that eliminating bedbugs is as easy as cutting off their food source. Though, even if you manage to get away from home for a few weeks, you won’t reap any positive benefits. The infestation of bedbugs is not going to go by itself. They can go without food for a long time without getting sick, so they’ll be well and waiting for you when you get back.

Factors That Influence Bed Bugs Survival Without Food

Still, I wonder what makes them so durable. And what is it that allows these tiny insects to survive for so long without food? Let’s try if we can get some answers to these problems by investigating how a bedbug stays alive.

Many factors affect how long bedbugs may go without eating.

  • a measure of the bug’s chronological age
  • The conditions it thrives in and the amount of activity it typically displays
  • temperature

There are five stages in a bed bug’s life cycle, beginning with the egg and ending with a fully developed adult bug. Feeding is required at each of these stages so that the insect can molt and develop into the next one. There are several phases of development in bed bugs, and they will eventually die if they go without food for a few weeks.

This means an adult bug can survive for much longer without food. Once mature, bed bugs can survive for up to a year without feeding.

A person’s performance can be affected by both their natural surroundings and their level of physical activity. If your bed or other furniture is close to a source of food, pests like bedbugs won’t have to travel as far to get to it. Having food readily available and not having to venture far for it increases a population’s chances of living a long and healthy life.

The ambient temperature is also an important factor to think about. Bed bugs are more likely to hibernate in colder climates because they may conserve energy by going into dormancy. Bugs need more frequent feedings when temperatures are high because their tiny bodies require a lot of energy.

The nymphal stage of the bed bug can live for up to 28 days at 80 degrees Fahrenheit. There was a rapid rise in temperature to 98.6 degrees in just 17 days.

Where Do Bed Bugs Live?

Since they are called “bedbugs,” you might assume that they are found in mattresses. However, there are some inaccuracies here. Even though they prefer to live in close proximity to human houses, bedbugs may really survive in almost any setting, including suitcases, backpacks, and clothing. They disperse themselves widely by moving from place to place.

Most of the time, these parasites like to hide in upholstered items and carpets. You can usually count on finding a swarm of them if you spot a single bug, as they travel in packs.

How Does Bed Bugs Population Grow?

Bed bugs pose a risk to your home for a number of reasons, not the least of which is their slow development and reproduction rate. Settlements are established in a low-key manner.

It is clear that a mature female bed bug only lays one egg every day. In around 10 days, this egg will hatch, and in another 5 or so, the beetle will reach adulthood. Despite their gradual growth, they go undetected. By the time you realize what’s happened to the colony, it will be too late.

Unfortunately, they cannot be eliminated if their food source is denied. It is possible to restrict the spread of the infection, though, by cutting off their supply of blood.

What to Do to Prevent Bed Bug Infestation Of Your Home

Because we’ve demonstrated that eliminating these pests won’t be a quick and easy task, you may be justified in being anxious about the prospect. How do we prevent their reappearance if we can’t eradicate them?

In fact, if you take all the necessary precautions, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of ever having to deal with an infestation. To avoid having these bloodsucking parasites invade your home, we recommend that you follow a few simple rules.

  1. Cut down on the places they can hide. There are many items that need to be cleaned, such as cracks and fissures, clutter, peeling wallpaper, loose electrical faceplates, and so on. Regularly vacuuming the area under and around the mattresses is a must. Mend any damage to the walls, beds, doors, or windows.
  2. Examine the exterior of your shared walls for any holes or other entry points that could be used to gain access to your home. Utility services such as pipes and cables may need to enter your home through these openings.
  3. Put caution into the process of bringing new things into your house. When bringing anything into your home or apartment, whether it be used books, brand new furniture, or priceless antiquities, you must examine it carefully.
  4. If you’re looking for anything new, don’t waste your money on used or refurbished items.
  5. A pre-arrival inspection of a new mattress is essential because it often shares a delivery truck with an old one.
  6. Never, ever take a mattress or sofa off the curb.
  7. Do a final check after helping someone move before loading up their belongings into your automobile.

If you keep an eye out for them, you can reduce the chances of these vampire flies invading your home.

How to Check Your Home And Bed For Bed Bugs

A bed bug infestation can quickly spread, so it’s important to check all of your furniture and mattresses.

  • Check under and around your beds, sofas, and other upholstered furniture for any potential safety issues. Check for bedbugs, both alive and dead, and for the telltale white patches (eggs) that indicate their presence.
  • The best way to check the quality of a mattress is to scrape anything along its seams and other cracks (e.g. an old credit card will do).
  • Take apart your furniture and take off the electrical faceplates with a screwdriver for a better inspection.

If you want to check your beds (and you should) here’s what to do:

  • You should take all the sheets off the beds and check them for cleanliness. If you find any bugs, wash the linens in hot water.
  • Look at the base of your bed, the area beneath your mattress.
  • Headboard and footboard screw and nail holes should be visually checked, as should the wooden plugs that cover them.
  • Finally, for a more in-depth examination, take off the electrical and phone faceplates on the wall behind the bed.

With this procedure, you can identify the earliest stages of a bed insect infection. You’ll be able to take immediate action and get rid of those bugs from your property, I’m sure.

Top 10 Myths about Bedbugs

All 50 states in the US currently have reports of the historically annoying bedbug. Cimex lectularius is a little, flattened bug that feeds mainly on the blood of mammals and birds, but it has coexisted with humans for a long time. Prior to World War II, the number of bedbugs in the United States dropped dramatically as a result of increased sanitation and the usage of pesticides. However, bugs have seen a global renaissance over the past decade. After the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, an outbreak occurred. Scientists are saying this outbreak could be the worst in recent history because of crowded cities, international travel, and pesticide resistance.

The situation is becoming worse by “every metric we utilize,” says entomologist Coby Schal of North Carolina State University in Raleigh. With health departments and extermination services regularly inundated with calls, it’s possible that this outbreak hasn’t reached its height just yet. Since bedbugs are an indoor insect, he says they are always a problem, regardless of the season. For Schal, this is only the tip of the iceberg in the United States.

Can Bed Bugs Live, Hide, and Lay Eggs in Wood Furniture? How to check? UPDATED | Just Wood Furniture

Following the fast proliferation of bedbugs, a wave of misinformation about their biology and behavior has emerged. Many common misconceptions about those little bloodsuckers have been debunked by experts.

Myth 1: Bedbugs can fly

The lack of wings in bedbugs makes flight impossible. Bedbug expert Stephen Kells from the University of Minnesota advises that you should avoid using a hair dryer. Once they reach that height, they will soar around 1.2 meters into the air. His research indicates that unchecked bedbugs can travel around a meter in a single minute.

Myth 2: Bedbugs reproduce quickly

Bedbugs are the slowest reproducing insects, laying only one egg per day on average compared to up to 500 eggs by houseflies in three to four days. A bedbug egg takes around ten days to hatch, and then another five or six weeks to develop into an adult bedbug.

Myth 3: Bedbugs can typically live a year without a meal

Bedbugs can only survive at room temperature (about 23 degrees Celsius) for about two to three months without a blood meal, however scientists vary on this. Since insects are cold-blooded, their metabolism slows in colder climates, allowing them to go up to a year without eating.

Myth 4: Bedbugs bite only at night

Despite their nocturnal habits, bedbugs are motivated to exit their hiding spots in search of food during the day. When you come back from a week away and sit on the couch, Schal warns, the bedbugs will be looking for you even though it’s the middle of the day. Keep the lights on, but you still won’t scare away those little vampires.

Myth 5: Bedbugs live exclusively in mattresses

Kells argues that the name “bedbug” is inaccurate. In addition to “suitcase bug” and “train bug,” a name like “pet bug” is warranted. Bedbugs, he says, are everywhere, infesting not just the bedroom but also the living room sofa, the kitchen counter, and even the ceiling.

Myth 6: Bedbugs prefer unsanitary, urban conditions

“Bedbugs are terribly nondiscriminatory,” says Schal. Bedbugs infest not only low-income housing but also luxury digs. People in low-income dwellings don’t tolerate pests because they enjoy them; rather, they suffer from an infestation because they lack the resources to eliminate the problem. As Kells says, “every place is at risk.” But because the medication is so costly, it will be difficult for some people to keep them under control.

Myth 7: Bedbugs travel on our bodies

Based on his research, Kells concludes that temperatures higher than 78 degrees Fahrenheit are intolerable for bedbugs. So, unlike lice and ticks, they don’t appreciate the warmth of our bodies and won’t stick to our hair or skin. Bedbugs like to hitchhike on articles of clothes, backpacks, luggage, and shoes rather than on human beings themselves.

Myth 8: Bedbugs transmit disease

Although bites from these insects can cause anxiety, sleeplessness, and secondary illnesses, no evidence of disease transfer to humans has been found. However, human pathogens are present. Despite not reproducing or growing, bedbugs have been found to harbor over two dozen different types of pathogens. A study published in June in Emerging Infectious Diseases found that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was present in bedbugs found on three patients in a Vancouver hospital. Still, no human cases of disease transmission by these insects have been confirmed.

Myth 9: We should bring back DDT

Schal claims that current bed bug populations are considerably more resistant to modern pesticides than they were when DDT was banned in 1972, making them extremely tough to eradicate. Pyrethroid insecticides, such as DDT, are effective against bedbugs because they prevent salt from entering their cells. Bedbugs that develop resistance to pyrethroids will also develop resistance to DDT.

Myth 10: You can spray bedbugs away

Schal claims, “Pesticides alone are usually not a good answer.” Bug-zapping aerosols from the hardware store won’t do the trick anymore due to pests that have developed immunity to the chemicals. The most effective methods, fumigation and heat treatments, can cost up to $3,000 for a single-family home. Researchers are actively exploring novel approaches including freezing and baiting to eradicate cockroaches. Schal and colleagues from the US Department of Agriculture report in the October 2010 issue of the Journal of Economic Entomology that inexpensive infrared and vibration sensors can be used to construct automated traps that can detect bedbugs.

How to Get Rid of Bedbugs

A bedbug is smaller than this if its length were to be measured from its head to its tail. These aphids breed quickly and efficiently, in addition to being clever and tough. If they find a suitable hiding place, bedbugs can go months without food. Females are capable of producing up to 500 eggs over the course of their lifetimes.

It’s no surprise that these microscopic vampires can cause significant damage to your home. If you share a bed with one, you may wake up with red, itching welts all over your body.

Can you get rid of bedbugs on your own?

Extermination of bedbugs is possible. Exterminating bedbugs is a laborious process that may take some time. It may be necessary to try both chemical and nonchemical methods if the infestation is particularly severe.

The difficulty of eliminating bedbugs can be increased in specific environments. It can be more challenging to eradicate bedbugs from your home if you frequently travel and bring new ones back in your luggage.

If you are unsuccessful in eliminating the pests on your own, you may need to call in a professional. Follow this detailed technique to successfully eliminate bedbugs from your home.

Step 1: Identify all infested areas

Catching bedbugs before they can start a new generation is essential if you have them. It’s easier and less expensive to deal with a minor infestation than a major one. However, smaller infestations could be harder to spot.

You may inspect your own home for bedbugs, or hire a professional. Some inspectors utilize dogs that have been trained to sniff out bedbugs.

Bedbugs can hide in nooks and crannies, like those found in furniture upholstery and window drapery.

Furthermore, be wary of these:

  • proximity to the labels on the bed and foundation
  • inside the cracks of the bed’s headboard and frame
  • refering to the bottoms of walls
  • where the couch cushions meet
  • Where two pieces of furniture meet
  • Within the Cavities
  • The Wallpaper is Coming Off the Walls
  • Between the pictures on the walls and the floor
  • transition from ceiling to wall covering

Check all of these spots with a flashlight and a magnifying lens.

A flashlight and a magnifying glass will allow you to thoroughly investigate any of these areas.

  • With the use of a flashlight and a magnifying glass, you may inspect any of these spots down to the last detail.
  • Look around each of these areas meticulously with the use of a flashlight and a magnifying glass.
  • You can tell where you’ve been squishing bugs because they leave behind a reddish stain on the mattress.
  • Small, pale golden eggs are the skins that young bedbugs shed.

Put the bedbug in a plastic bag with 1 teaspoon of rubbing alcohol and make sure the bag is airtight. Bedbugs have a similar appearance to many other common insects. If you aren’t sure what kind of insect it is, an exterminator or entomologist can help.

Step 2: Contain the infestation

Once bedbugs have been identified, they must be contained before being eliminated. Bedbugs can be easily and quickly removed by vacuuming them up. If you’re worried that someone might be hiding somewhere, you should vacuum it up.

Yourself included herein:

  • bed
  • dresser
  • carpets
  • electronics, including televisions

Put the contents of the vacuum cleaner in a trash bag. After you’re done, give the vacuum a thorough cleaning.

All infected clothing and linens should be sealed in plastic bags until they can be washed. Wash and dry them on the hottest setting your machine allows. If you don’t have access to a washing machine, you may always try drying it for 30 minutes on the maximum heat setting.

Anything that can’t be cleaned in water and dried should be stored in a plastic bag. Keep it there for as long as you can to make sure all the bugs die.

Don’t bother trying to clean furniture that you know you can’t. Make sure no one else takes it home without first spraying the word “bedbugs” on it.

Step 3: Prep for bedbug treatment

Getting ready to treat your home will require a bit of preparation on your part. You should double-check to make sure you have washed or discarded all of your clothes and bedding (see step 2).

The next step is to get rid of any places where bedbugs could live and multiply.

  • Any unwanted items, such as books, magazines, clothing, etc., should be discarded.
  • The more you can get rid of, the better.
  • Please don’t take anything from the infested room to the clean one.

Fill in any holes or spaces that may have appeared.

  • Using a glue gun, you may securely attach any peeling wallpaper.
  • Fill up the cracks in the baseboards and furnishings with caulk.
  • Cover any exposed outlets with tape. –

Lastly, keep your bed at least six inches from the wall.

Step 4: Kill the bedbugs

How to get rid of bedbugs at home

At least initially, you may choose to attempt exterminating bedbugs without resorting to the use of insecticides. These bugs can be killed with temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit (or 0 degrees Celsius) or as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46.11 degrees Celsius).

If you’re trying to get rid of bedbugs, try these methods:

  • Bedding and clothes should be washed for 30 minutes in hot water. Dry them for 30 minutes on the highest setting.
  • Kill bedbugs on mattresses, sofas, and other furniture by steaming them.
  • Leave contaminated items outside or in the trunk of a hot automobile on days when the temperature is expected to reach or surpass 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). When pests are contained during the cooler months, it may take up to five months to completely get rid of them.
  • Freezing the bags containing the bedbugs is an effective way to kill them. Use a thermometer to make sure it’s not too cold in here. Maintain their confinement for a minimum of four days.

After physically eliminating all bedbugs, you should take measures to render the area uninhabitable. Bedbug-proof mattress and box spring encasements should be used. These blankets should be zipped up now. Insects trapped within will perish, and new ones won’t be able to enter.

In the event that these methods are insufficient, you may need to resort to the use of an insecticide.

Nonchemical and chemical treatments

Insecticides can be used to rid your home of bedbugs. In your search for a solution to the bedbug problem, prioritize goods that have been given the green light by the EPA and are specifically labeled for that purpose.

You can choose from a variety of insecticides, including those listed below:

  • Bedbugs can be killed with chemicals like pyrethrins and pyrethroids. However, bedbugs have evolved resistance to these chemicals.
  • Chlorfenapyr and other pyrroles are toxic to bedbugs because they disrupt their cellular structure.
  • Neonicotinoids are a family of synthetic nicotine analogs. The insects’ nervous systems are harmed as a result. This drug can be used to kill bedbugs that have become immune to other insecticides.
  • Dessicants are chemicals that break down the insect’s protective outer layer. If the bugs don’t have this shield to protect them, they’ll die. Desiccants include substances like silica aerogel and diatomaceous earth. Dessicants work slowly but effectively since bedbugs cannot develop immunity to them. It could take a few months for these fixes to get rid of any remaining issues.
  • Bug bombs and foggers may be successful at killing bedbugs, but they can’t get to the spots where the insects hide. They could potentially be dangerous to people if handled incorrectly. Read the label carefully for usage instructions. Take precautions outside of the room before using a fogger.
  • Effective and safer than traditional pesticides, plant oil-based insecticides like EcoRaider and Bed Bug Patrol kill bedbugs without harming beneficial insects.

Step 5: Evaluate and prevent future bedbugs

The elimination of bedbugs can be a challenging task. It’s important to know whether or not your therapy was successful if the bugs haven’t moved on following it. Once a week is a good frequency for checking on infested areas.

To aid in the search for any remaining bedbugs, place an interceptor trap under each bedpost. Put one of these gadgets in your mattress, and you won’t have to worry about those pesky bedbugs again. Keeping an eye on the interceptors can be an ongoing job for the whole year.

Despite its name, the bedbug is not an easy insect to get rid of. Your greatest efforts to get rid of them may be futile because they could come back at any time. You might need to try more than one tactic to finally rid yourself of the infestation. If they don’t go on their own, it may be time to call in the pros to do some exterminating.

Step 6: Get the pros involved

If you have bedbugs and can’t get rid of them yourself, professional help is your best bet.

Companies that specialize in pest management have access to insecticides and other treatments that homeowners cannot buy over the counter. Use of residual insecticides in furniture and gaps can also help eradicate the problem of bedbugs over time.

Pest control companies also have the option of using room-wide heat treatments. The therapy involves heating the area to between 135 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit (57.22 and 62.78 degrees Celsius), which is deadly to bedbugs.

Before the pest control technicians arrive, you should be given instructions on what to do to get your home ready. Following the directions to the letter will give you the best chance of successfully eliminating the pests.

It usually takes two or three visits to a professional for treatment to start showing results. After each treatment, you may need to vacate the area for a few hours so that the pesticides can fully dry.

Step 7: Keep the bedbugs out

After giving the place a good cleaning, you need to make sure the bedbugs are truly gone:

  • Take out the trash can and throw away the extra junk. Don’t throw your papers, magazines, or clothes on the floor.
  • Make sure your entire mattress and box spring are encased by zipping the bedbug cover all the way around them.
  • Every piece of bedding, piece of furniture, and square foot of carpet should be regularly vacuumed and cleaned.
  • All holes around switches, plugs, and trim should be sealed for safety.
  • It is important to check hotel rooms for signs of bedbug infestation before returning home from a trip.

How Long Can Beg Bugs Live Without Air? - PF Harris

The Best Bed Bug Spray for DIY Pest Control

Small insects around the size of apple seeds (cimex lectularius) known as bed bugs prefer human blood to that of any other animal. In spite of their common name, these pests are capable of breeding and creating nests just about everywhere inside the home, including behind baseboards and inside of furniture. When a bed bug bites, it can cause red, itchy bumps at the site of the bite and can spread to other parts of the body.

Bedbugs, like fleas and lice, can be eradicated with the right insecticide, but the entire infestation must be wiped out. Bed bug sprays have a wide variety of active ingredients, from powerful pesticides like pyrethrin, pyrethroid, imidacloprid, and acetamiprid to pet- and kid-friendly options like geranium oil and clove oil. Treatments for bed bugs typically combine several different types of active ingredients (though these non-toxic alternatives are not as effective). These are some of our favorite bed bug sprays on the market, and we believe they are among the best available.

Before You Buy and Use a Bed Bug Spray

Bed bug spray can be used to manage and even eliminate infestations; however, the toxicity and strong chemical scents of these treatments can be harmful, requiring temporary evacuation of the area until the spray has dissipated. Water-based sprays can cause damage to electronics, paper, and wood if handled incorrectly or in excess. Sticky residue from oil-based sprays can be washed off with soap and water, but the surface may be stained permanently.

Some bedbug sufferers attempt to avoid resorting to chemical sprays by instead employing non-conventional measures. One of these approaches is to use hot water or steam to eliminate bedbugs from your belongings. Diatomaceous earth is a silica-rich powder made from fossilized algal silt that can be used to get rid of bed bugs. Bed bugs can be captured with the help of traps designed for that purpose. Have a look at the below remedies and preventative measures before running out to buy a can of bed insect spray.

  • Lavender essential oil can be used along baseboards and in bedrooms to deter bed bugs from spreading further. An more natural remedy for warding off bed bugs is to scatter ground peppermint leaves at the foot of the bed and in the four corners of the room. Double-sided tape and scented dryer sheets can be put to your bedposts and frame to discourage insects from crawling in.
  • A tidy home is less likely to attract bed bugs. Take out the vacuum’s sealed compartment, spray it down with rubbing alcohol to kill any bugs that may be lurking within, and then rinse it out. You may eliminate the risk of bedbugs and their eggs hiding in the cracks and crevices of your mattress, sofa, and curtains by giving them a thorough cleaning with a stiff brush.
  • Restrict access to the infested area so that the insects can be eradicated without spreading elsewhere. Move the bed away from the wall and sprinkle baking soda around the foot to prevent bedbugs from crawling down the frame. Any exposed items should be discarded, washed in hot water, or treated with an effective bed bug pesticide immediately. Put non-washables and non-treatables in a sealed trash bag for collection.
  • A modest bed bug infestation can be treated using everyday items. Sprinkle baking soda around your bedposts and scatter crushed silica gel (found in new shoe boxes and product shipments) on the floor to keep your children and pets safe. Apply a 20-drop solution of rubbing alcohol or tea tree oil immediately to the bed bugs. You might also try drying them with a hair dryer set to its highest heat setting.

If the sprays and do-it-yourself methods discussed here don’t work, you might need to call in an exterminator.

Our Top Picks

We picked the best sprays for bed bugs based on how many people have used them, how easy they are to find, how well they work, and how well they are liked by the general public.

1. BEST OVERALL: HARRIS Bed Bug Killer, Toughest Liquid Spray

The Harris Non-Staining and Non-Odorous Bed Bug Killer is an effective spray that can be used on virtually any surface a bedbug might hide on without damaging the fabric or creating any lingering odors or stains.

Upon contact with the spray’s active ingredients—imidacloprid, n-Octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide, and phenothrin—bed bugs are killed. Up to 16 weeks after application, pyrethroid pesticides are ineffective against insects and their eggs. This product may be safely used in a household with pets, but it must never come into contact with your clothing, bedding, or pillows. Always refer to the label instructions to guarantee a safe experience.

2. RUNNER UP: Bedlam Plus Bed Bug Aerosol Spray

Bedlam Plus Bed Bug Aerosol Spray is the greatest alternative for destroying bed bugs and their eggs because it has a water-based solution and can be used on all types of textiles (including bedding). This pyrethroid-resistant insecticide, when mixed with imidacloprid, kills on contact and keeps working for up to two weeks, making short work of any infestation.

It can be used without worry on your bed, in walls, or on your carpet or hardwood floors. Because of its toxicity, this product should never be sprayed in a kitchen or anywhere food or drink might come into contact with it.

3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Hot Shot Bed Bug Killer

Hot Shot Bed Insect Killer is a low-cost spray that effectively eliminates bed insect infestations in beds, couches, chairs, luggage, and even on the floor, baseboards, and carpets. For persistent infestations, a water-based mixture of imiprothrin and lambda-cyhalothrin should be used every two weeks.

The spray leaves no greasy residue or stains, and it does not have a strong chemical odor. The manufacturer of this flea spray warns that, despite its effectiveness, it should not be used on dogs due to the potentially lethal chemicals it contains. If you find fleas on your dog or cat, it’s important to take them to the vet right once.

4. NATURAL PICK: mdxconcepts Bed Bug Killer, Natural Organic Formula

mdxconcepts Natural Organic Bed Bug Killer is a wonderful addition to any household because it is safe for pets, children, and the environment. The bed bug spray is 100% effective against bed bugs since it uses a natural solution produced from plants. Peppermint oil and spearmint oil are the key ingredients in this remedy for warding off bedbug infestations. This bed bug spray is safe to use on mattresses, baseboards, and carpets; it won’t leave any stains or greasy residue. You must repeat the treatment as directed in order to eradicate the infestation.

5. BROAD-SPECTRUM PICK: JT Eaton 204-0/CAP Kills Bed Bugs Oil-Based Spray

If more than one type of pest has invaded your house, you may treat the problem with just one product: JT Eaton Oil-Based Bed Bug Spray. This product is effective against bed bugs and their eggs as well as fleas, brown dog ticks, silverfish, spiders, carpet beetles, and even roaches. The combination of pyrethrin and piperonyl butoxide in the spray is effective on contact and can be sprayed throughout the entire bed, the baseboards, and the floor. It can leave an oily residue and is harmful to both humans and dogs if too much is used, so be careful to follow the manufacturer’s directions to the letter.

6. BEST FOR MATTRESSES: PT Alpine Flea & Bed Bug Pressurized Insecticide

This extremely potent bed bug spray uses three active chemicals—dinotefuran, pyriproxyfen, and pralethrin—to quickly and effectively treat all stages of pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs. Despite its incredible efficacy, PT Alpine Flea and Bed Bug Killer can be used on your mattress, pillows, and other bed coverings without risk. So that you don’t have to leave the windows open for extended periods of time, it dries quickly, but it has the characteristically pungent chemical odor of insecticides. When applying, make sure to utilize a ventilator and return per the guidelines set forth by the maker.

7. BEST FOR UPHOLSTERY: Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug Killer

Bed bugs in upholstery can be hard to get rid of since they like to hide in crevices and seams. However, the Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug Killer is applied with a battery-operated wand to fool the pests. There are a variety of spray patterns and a finger trigger for continuous spraying.

Odorless bed bug spray comprising bifenthrin, imidacloprid, and piperonyl butoxide can be used once every two weeks to kill pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs, eggs, fleas, and ticks on bed frames, couches, chairs, and baseboards. Bedding, clothing, and pillows should not be utilized, and the manufacturer’s recommended treatment methods should be adhered to for the best outcomes and to prevent any potential harm.

8. BEST FOR BASEBOARDS: Harris 5-Minute Bed Bug Killer Foaming Spray

Harris 5-Minute Bed Bug Foaming Spray’s special formulation makes it effective for use in hard-to-reach spots, such as cracks and crevices in baseboards, furniture, box springs, and wall mouldings. If bed bugs are still present after a month, you’ll need to apply more spray.

This spray kills bed bugs at every life stage, including the ones resistant to pyrethroids. The active chemicals are metofluthrin, clothianidin, and piperonyl butoxide. The foaming spray is non-staining, odorless, and turns transparent when dried, so it can be used around the house without fear of leaving behind any stains. Although the EPA has given its blessing for this substance to be used all over a mattress, the manufacturer has warned against applying it to sheets and blankets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can bed bugs live without food at room temperature?

This spray kills bed bugs at every life stage, including the ones resistant to pyrethroids. The active chemicals are metofluthrin, clothianidin, and piperonyl butoxide. The translucent, non-staining foaming spray can be used safely around the house without worrying about leaving any residue. Although the EPA has given its blessing for this substance to be used all over a mattress, the manufacturer has warned against applying it to sheets and blankets.

How long can bed bugs live without food in the cold?

When compared to humans, nymphs have a much shorter lifespan (three months as opposed to a year).

How long does it take for bed bugs to die on their own?

Bed bugs can only survive temperatures below 25 degrees Fahrenheit for three weeks, and temperatures exceeding 113 degrees Fahrenheit for a week. Bed bugs can be exterminated by keeping a house at a certain temperature for an extended period of time.

Can you starve out bed bugs?

If conditions are right, bedbugs can survive for over a year without feeding.

Can bed bugs multiply without feeding?

When a bug goes through the process of molting, it sheds its old skin. Bed bugs need to eat in between each of their five molts into adulthood. This means that nymphs need to eat more often. Newly born bed bugs can survive without sustenance for several weeks.

What happens when bed bugs don’t feed?

Bedbugs can perish if they are hungry for a few weeks during each life stage. Increases in their fasting tolerance occur naturally as they mature. When they reach adulthood, they may go up to a year without eating.

What kills bed bugs instantly?

Steam at 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius) is lethal to bed bugs in an instant. Mattress seams, sofa crevices, bed frames, and other potential bedbug hiding areas should be steamed carefully and at low heat.

How long can a bedbug live?

They can’t proceed through the several stages of life if they aren’t fed regularly. The adult stages of the bed bug can survive for long periods of time without food. A maximum of 18 months may be required in rare circumstances. Bed bugs, on average, die off after two to four months.

Can 1 bed bug multiply?

How Rapidly Do Bed Bugs Breed? Female bedbugs can produce up to seven eggs per day when they are mature, however the usual rate is closer to one egg per day. After hatching from an egg, a bed bug will need about six weeks to complete its life cycle.

Do bed bugs stay on your skin after a shower?

When a person washes their skin, what happens to the bed bugs? First of all, if you take a bath or shower, the bedbugs will fall off. Bed bugs, in contrast to fleas and lice, do not feed on your hair. You can find them hiding in the cracks of your bed, couch, and walls.