I have watched a documentary on these pesty creatures, they can live up to a year with out blood. They like dark places, theaters, mattress, and more. Don't set your purse or luggage down on a soft surface unless you know it is safe. They are tough to get rid of also. If in a hotel, put your luggage in the bathroom on the floor until you inspect the bedding. The show I watched showed a bed bug the size of an apple seed, so you can see them. Yuck.