How long can bedbugs live in an empty apartment? - briefly
Adult bedbugs can survive without a blood meal for up to six months, and under cool, low‑humidity conditions they may persist for as long as a year.
How long can bedbugs live in an empty apartment? - in detail
Bed bugs can persist in a vacant dwelling for many months, sometimes approaching a year, depending on environmental conditions and the stage of their life cycle.
In the absence of a host, adult insects enter a state of reduced metabolic activity. They can survive without a blood meal for 100‑150 days under moderate temperatures (20‑25 °C) and relative humidity of 50‑70 %. Cooler environments (10‑15 °C) extend survivorship, with reports of adults living up to 200 days. Warmer settings (30 °C+) shorten the interval, often to 30‑45 days, because higher metabolism depletes energy reserves faster.
Nymphs, which require more frequent feeding, have shorter fasting periods. First‑instar nymphs may die after 30‑45 days without nourishment, while later instars can endure 60‑80 days. Eggs hatch within 7‑10 days if conditions are suitable; once hatched, the young bugs follow the same fasting limits as nymphs.
Key factors influencing longevity in an empty unit:
- Temperature – lower temperatures slow metabolism, prolonging survival; higher temperatures accelerate energy use.
- Humidity – moderate humidity prevents desiccation; very low humidity can cause rapid dehydration.
- Food availability history – insects that have recently fed possess larger energy reserves, extending the fasting period.
- Population density – crowded groups may experience faster depletion of resources, reducing individual survivorship.
Consequently, a vacant apartment can remain a viable reservoir for bed bugs for several months, with the potential to retain live adults for up to six months in typical indoor climates, and up to a year in cooler, more humid environments. Prompt inspection and treatment are essential to prevent re‑infestation when the space is re‑occupied.