How long can bed bugs live in an empty apartment without people? - briefly
Adult bed bugs can survive without a blood meal for several months, usually 4–6 months, and occasionally up to a year under optimal conditions. Nymphs typically endure only 1–2 months without feeding.
How long can bed bugs live in an empty apartment without people? - in detail
Bed bugs can persist in a vacant residence for extended periods, relying on stored energy reserves and environmental conditions. Survival varies by developmental stage, ambient temperature, and humidity.
Adults possess the greatest resilience. Under moderate temperatures (21‑25 °C) and relative humidity of 50‑70 %, an adult may endure without a blood meal for 4‑6 months. Cooler environments (10‑15 °C) slow metabolism, extending survival to 8‑12 months. In colder settings (below 5 °C), metabolic activity diminishes further, allowing some individuals to remain viable for up to a year, although prolonged cold can be lethal.
Nymphs exhibit shorter endurance. First‑instar nymphs typically survive 1‑2 months without feeding at room temperature, while later instars may last 2‑4 months. Their limited energy stores and higher surface‑area‑to‑volume ratio accelerate dehydration.
Extreme temperatures reduce longevity dramatically. Exposure to heat above 45 °C for 30 minutes is lethal to all stages. Conversely, sustained freezing below –10 °C for several hours also ensures mortality.
Key factors influencing persistence:
- Temperature: lower temperatures prolong survival; high temperatures cause rapid death.
- Humidity: moderate humidity prevents desiccation; very low humidity accelerates dehydration.
- Life stage: adults outlast nymphs; early instars are most vulnerable.
- Food scarcity: prolonged absence of hosts forces reliance on stored reserves, limiting lifespan.
In practice, a vacant apartment can harbor a viable bed‑bug population for up to a year if environmental conditions remain favorable, particularly in cooler, moderately humid spaces. Prompt inspection and treatment before re‑occupation are advisable to prevent re‑infestation.