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Do I Have to Throw Out Food After a Bed Bug Infestation?

Throwing out food from the fridge after discovering a bed bug infestation is unnecessary

There is lot of misinformation about actions to take after a bed bug infestation. You do not need to throw away food or any pantry items during or after an infestation, because bed bugs arenโ€™t interested in your food!

Bed bugs donโ€™t possess teeth or a tongue, so they arenโ€™t able to ingest food. Therefore, bed bugs rarely or never infest the following items:

  • Food crumbs
  • Electronics
  • Clothing
  • Pets

What Foods Do Bed Bugs Eat?

Bed bugs have evolved to eat one thing: blood! That means you donโ€™t have to worry about bed bugs crawling into your pantry and infesting your food. When dealing with a bed bug infestation, itโ€™s rare to have to throw out items. In fact, if treatment is administered properly by a professional exterminator, you shouldnโ€™t even have to throw out your mattress after an infestation!

How Long Can Bed Bugs Survive Without Feeding?

Believe it or not, bed bugs can live an entire year without a blood meal. Depending on the temperature and humidity of its environment, adult bed bugs can survive from 20 to 400 days without feeding! This means that bed bugs can technically live in your home for more than a year without nourishment. Even without a blood meal, they will not try to consume your food items.

What Should I Throw Out After a Bed Bug Infestation?

Unlike other types of pests, you donโ€™t need to worry about bed bugs invading your food products. When you discover a bed bug issue in your home, thereโ€™s no reason to panic and throw out everything in your pantry. Your best bet is to enlist professional treatment right away. This can help save you from throwing out food, bedding, and more.

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Do I Have to Throw Out Food After a Bed Bug Infestation in Southern Louisiana?

Ja-Roy Pest Control Services is a local Pest Control and Extermination company helping homeowners and businesses with pest issues across Southern Louisiana.

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