Bites,bedbugs etc.

by John Stevens
(Halifax N.S.)

I moved into this apt 3 years ago and experienced bites right away. I tried everything and finally it went away. Today 2 years later im being bitten again. Any ideas for them to go for 2 years and they or them are back again.

Thanks.
John

Editor Response: Why Are Bed Bugs Back After Two Years?

Hi John,
Bed bugs can only survive up to a year without a blood meal under ideal conditions. Given the two-year gap, it’s highly likely that this is a new infestation, rather than a resurgence of the original one.

Can Bed Bugs Survive Two Years Without Feeding?

Bed bugs generally survive several months to one year without feeding, depending on environmental conditions. Cooler temperatures and high humidity can extend their lifespan, but two years is beyond their survival capability without a blood meal. This means the bed bugs biting you now have likely been reintroduced, rather than lingering from the past infestation.

What Likely Happened?

Reintroduction of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs may have been brought into your home again through:

Luggage, clothing, or other belongings from travel.
Secondhand furniture, mattresses, or other items that were infested.
Visitors or family members who unknowingly carried bed bugs into your home.
Infestation from a Nearby Unit
If you live in an apartment, bed bugs might have traveled from a neighboring unit. They can move through walls, electrical outlets, and pipes, which is a common cause of reinfestation in multi-unit buildings.

What Should You Do?

1. Inspect for Signs of Bed Bugs

Conduct a thorough inspection of your bed, furniture, and surrounding areas: - Look for live bugs, dark fecal stains, shed skins, or eggs in mattress seams, bed frames, and crevices. - Use a flashlight to check cracks and corners where bed bugs might hide.

2. Take Immediate Action

- Wash bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water and dry on high heat. Heat is one of the most effective ways to kill bed bugs and their eggs. - Vacuum all affected areas, paying close attention to corners, seams, and furniture crevices. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately in a sealed plastic bag. - Use bed bug-proof encasements for your mattress and box spring to trap any remaining bugs.

3. Consult a Professional

If you cannot find the source of the infestation or it seems widespread, contact a pest control professional. In apartment settings, it’s also important to alert your property management, as treating the entire building may be necessary to prevent reinfestation.

Preventing Future Infestations

- Be cautious when bringing in secondhand items, and inspect them thoroughly before use. - After travel, inspect your luggage and clothing for bed bugs before bringing them inside. - Use bed bug interceptors under your bed legs to monitor for new activity.
This reappearance is likely due to reintroduction rather than leftover bugs from your previous infestation. Addressing the issue promptly and taking preventative measures will help keep your home bug-free moving forward.

Let me know if you need further advice—I’m here to help!

Best regards,
Jeff
Editor and Publisher
Bed Bugs Handbook