How long can a bedbug survive in dormancy? - briefly
Adult bed bugs can endure without a blood meal for roughly six to twelve months, with survival extending longer under cool, low‑humidity conditions. Nymphs survive proportionally shorter periods, typically a few months.
How long can a bedbug survive in dormancy? - in detail
Bedbugs enter a state of metabolic arrest when food is unavailable, allowing them to persist for extended periods. Under typical indoor temperatures (21‑25 °C) and moderate humidity (40‑60 % RH), adult insects can endure without a blood meal for 100‑300 days. Laboratory observations have documented survival up to 400 days when conditions remain stable and water loss is minimized.
Extreme temperatures modify this capacity. At temperatures near 0 °C, metabolic processes slow dramatically, and individuals have been recorded surviving more than a year, provided they are protected from freezing. Conversely, at 30 °C and higher, the lifespan without feeding declines sharply, often falling below 60 days because increased respiration accelerates energy depletion.
Humidity exerts a direct influence on desiccation risk. Relative humidity below 30 % accelerates water loss, reducing survivorship to roughly 30‑50 days. Maintaining moisture levels above 50 % prolongs the dormant phase by limiting cuticular transpiration.
Developmental stage also matters. First‑instar nymphs possess limited energy reserves and typically survive 10‑20 days without a host, whereas later instars and adults retain sufficient glycogen and lipids to persist for months.
Key factors determining the maximum duration of dormancy:
- Ambient temperature (cold prolongs, heat shortens)
- Relative humidity (higher values reduce desiccation)
- Life stage (adults > later instars > early nymphs)
- Access to microhabitats that limit water loss (e.g., cracks, fabric folds)
In summary, a well‑fed adult bedbug can remain viable for several months to over a year in a dormant state, with survival strongly dictated by environmental temperature, moisture, and developmental maturity.