Can Bed Bugs Live Outside In Your Lawn?

Bed bugs — these nasty little critters are one of the well-known intruders to homeowners. Often, they can be spotted on your bed, under your mattress, on your couch.  But can bed bugs live outside, in your lawn?

This article will answer this and other common pest control questions. 

Why Do Bed Bugs Usually Live Indoors?

Bed bugs are blood-sucking pests and the reason is obvious. These bugs feed solely on human blood. We spend most of your time inside your property rather than outside. This means they will stick to you and will reproduce as close as they can. 

Bed bugs can barely travel from one place to another due to the fact that they are unable to jump or fly. 

It’s a myth that bed bugs live only on your bed. It’s certainly their favorite spot, since you spend so many hours on your bed. You also stay on your couch for at least two hours per day. 

Bed bugs know this, too. 

Basically, they can live anywhere only if the food source is around. It means they will follow you. How do they know where you are? Well, they are attracted and able to sense the carbon dioxide you release. 

So, you also spend decent time outside, playing with your children or pets, or having a nice dinner with your friends, especially during spring and summertime. Naturally, the next question is can bed bugs live and survive on your lawn?

Can Bed Bugs Live Outside in Your Lawn?

Yes, no, and it depends.
Let’s check why there’s no unambiguous answer.

Bed bugs can’t jump or fly, and can move only a short distance. However, they are notorious hitchhikers. That’s the chief way they spread. They’ll hitch a ride in anything that comes near its human host — your jacket, purse, luggage or backpack.

They can be found outside in your backyard if someone has, say, tossed out a mattress or other infested material.

If they somehow end up in the grass, bed bugs will immediately look for another place to move to be near you. 

Since bed bugs can live in wooden, upholstered or even rattan furniture. If you spend a lot of time outdoors on your patio, they could have a very comfortable home there. 

How Long Can Bed Bugs Survive Outside?

Bed bugs that end up outside will take the first opportunity they can to climb on you follow you inside. But, if they don’t catch the moment, they will stay outside. The tiny bugs are hardy. As  cold-blooded creatures, they can easily regulate their inner temperature according to the temperature outside. 

Bed Bugs Survive Cold, Heat Extremes

Low temperatures are not a big threat to the vermin. Scientists found they don’t all die off until the thermometer reads minus-22 degrees Fahrenheit.

The same goes for high-temperatures. Bed bugs die above 120 degrees F which happens rarely to never in most places. So, they can enjoy the hot weather and thrive as long as there is a host nearby. 

As bed bugs are able to control temperature this allows them to save energy and survive without food for up to five months.

They do have predators, such as cockroaches, spiders, ants or even lizards. This doesn’t mean you can count on them against the bed bugs as the predators are not able to eliminate the whole colony or even the eggs. 

Bed bugs could travel up to 20 feet. So, can bed bugs travel across a yard? Yes, they sure can.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs From the Outside?

Dealing with bed bugs might take a long time. The Fantastic bed bug exterminators share their knowledge with you which are the few things you can do to reduce their population from the outside. 

However, some of the ways won’t guarantee that you will eradicate the bed bugs from the first try:

• Vacuum all items such as pillows, blankets, and al garden furniture;
• Apply insecticide which contains pyrethrins and pyrethroids, which are considered to be the most powerful compounds against bed bugs. Always read the instructions about how to apply a certain product. After you treat your backyard don’t stay there for a couple of days until the chemicals do their work.
• Don’t tempt to bring the belongings from the outside to the inside before you completely eradicated the bugs. After you are ensured they are no longer alive (it might take a couple of weeks), put all items in plastic bags, close them very tight, just in case, and wash them immediately.
• Remove all second-hand furniture and forget buying such in the future. Or before bringing them, make sure they are well-maintained, clean and inspect them carefully;
• Call for professional assistance if nothing else has helped. Usually, expert bed bug treatments with high-quality results should include heat treatment, raising the room temperature above 120 degrees. So, this method is appropriate to be applied in your garden shed, conservatory or other building you have in your backyard. 

Bed bugs generally reproduce and live inside your property and on rare occasions can be found on your lawn. When they fall on the grass they won’t stay any longer and immediately will search for a more comfortable spot to hide and wait for the perfect time to feed on your delicious blood. The infestation can spread very quickly, so don’t delay any treatment.