How long do bed bugs live and how do they reproduce? - briefly
Adult bed bugs usually live 6–12 months without a blood meal, extending up to a year in optimal conditions. Females deposit 1–5 eggs each day; the eggs hatch in about a week, and the nymphs molt five times before becoming mature adults.
How long do bed bugs live and how do they reproduce? - in detail
Bed bugs typically survive between six months and one year when food sources are regular, but they can endure much longer without a blood meal—up to several months in cool, dry environments. Temperature dramatically affects longevity: at 70 °F (21 °C) adults may live close to a year, while at 90 °F (32 °C) the life span shortens to several months. Humidity also plays a role; low moisture levels increase desiccation risk, reducing survival time.
Female bed bugs reproduce by laying eggs on concealed surfaces near hosts. Each oviposition contains 5–7 eggs, and a single female may produce 200–500 eggs over her lifetime. The reproductive cycle proceeds as follows:
- Egg stage: 6–10 days incubation at 70–80 °F (21–27 °C).
- Nymphal development: Five instars, each requiring a blood meal before molting; each stage lasts 5–10 days under optimal conditions.
- Adult emergence: After the fifth molt, the insect reaches reproductive maturity and begins feeding and mating.
Mating occurs shortly after the final molt; males transfer a spermatophore that the female stores for future fertilizations. Females can lay eggs continuously after the first blood meal, with the rate increasing during warmer months. The combination of a relatively long adult lifespan, high reproductive output, and the ability to survive extended periods without feeding makes bed bugs exceptionally resilient pests.