Many people in Toronto use storage units during moves, renovations, downsizing, or temporary relocations. Furniture, mattresses, clothing, boxes, and even entire households end up sealed inside storage lockers for weeks or months.
One of the most common questions we hear is simple but important.
Can bed bugs live in storage units?
The answer is yes.
And in some cases, storage units actually help bed bugs survive longer than people expect.
How Bed Bugs End Up in Storage Units
Bed bugs do not appear in storage units on their own. They arrive inside items that are already infested.
Common ways bed bugs are introduced include:
- storing a bed, couch, or mattress from an infested home
- placing clothing or shoes into boxes without proper inspection
- storing items during a move from an apartment or condo
- using second hand furniture before storage
- sharing moving trucks or dollies
- packing belongings too quickly during an active infestation
Once bed bugs are sealed inside boxes or furniture, the storage unit becomes a quiet and undisturbed environment for them.
Can Bed Bugs Survive Without Feeding in Storage
Yes, they can.
Adult bed bugs are capable of surviving for several months without feeding. In cooler environments, they can last even longer by slowing their metabolism.
Most storage units in Toronto remain above freezing year round. Many are climate controlled. This creates ideal conditions for bed bugs to stay alive while waiting for a new host.
They may not reproduce quickly without feeding, but they do not die off either.
Do Bed Bugs Spread Between Storage Units
This depends on the facility.
In well managed storage buildings, units are sealed individually. Bed bugs usually stay confined to the items they arrived with.
However, spread can happen through:
- shared hallways
- elevators
- moving carts
- adjacent units with gaps
- shared loading areas
- staff or customers moving items between units
We have seen cases where bed bugs move short distances to nearby units, especially when infested items are handled frequently.
What Items Are Most Likely to Harbor Bed Bugs in Storage
Bed bugs prefer tight, fabric rich environments.
High risk items include:
- mattresses and box springs
- couches and upholstered chairs
- bed frames and headboards
- clothing stored in bags or boxes
- shoes
- curtains and linens
- cardboard boxes
- wooden furniture with joints and cracks
Low risk items include:
- sealed plastic bins
- metal furniture
- hard plastic items
- glass and electronics if properly sealed
The problem is not the storage unit itself. It is what goes into it.
Why Storage Makes Bed Bugs Harder to Eliminate
Storage units create three challenges:
No human host
Without feeding, bed bugs become inactive and harder to detect.
No disturbance
In homes, movement exposes bed bugs. In storage, they remain hidden and undisturbed.
Delayed discovery
People often discover the infestation only after bringing items back home.
This is one of the most common ways bed bugs reenter homes after treatment.
How to Safely Store Belongings If Bed Bugs Are Present
If bed bugs are suspected or confirmed, proper preparation is critical.
Steps we recommend:
- inspect all items before storage
- avoid storing mattresses or couches unless professionally treated
- wash and heat dry clothing before sealing
- use sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard
- label treated and untreated items
- keep stored items sealed until cleared
- consult a professional before returning items home
Never assume bed bugs will die in storage on their own.
Final Thoughts
Yes, bed bugs can live in storage units.
They can survive quietly for months.
And they can easily return to your home if storage is not handled properly.
If you are dealing with bed bugs or planning to store belongings during a move, renovation, or treatment, professional guidance can make the difference between success and starting over.
Storage should be part of the plan, not the blind spot.
