How long do bedbugs live in an empty house? - briefly
Bedbugs can endure several months without feeding, generally lasting 4‑6 months in a vacant home, and up to a year under cooler, low‑activity conditions. Their survival time depends on temperature, humidity, and access to a blood source.
How long do bedbugs live in an empty house? - in detail
Bed bugs can persist in a vacant residence for several months, but the exact duration depends on temperature, humidity, and the insects’ developmental stage.
Adults normally live 2‑6 months when they obtain blood meals regularly. In the absence of a host, an adult can survive without feeding for 4‑5 months at room temperature (≈ 20‑25 °C) and up to 12 months if the environment remains cool (10‑15 °C) and humid (≥ 70 %). Lower temperatures slow metabolism, extending survival, while high heat (≥ 30 °C) reduces it to 1‑2 months.
Nymphs, which require more frequent blood, survive shorter periods without nourishment—typically 2‑3 months at moderate temperatures. Eggs hatch within 6‑10 days if conditions are suitable; once hatched, the first‑instar nymph must feed within a few weeks or die.
Key factors influencing longevity in an empty house:
- Temperature: cooler climates prolong life; heat accelerates death.
- Humidity: high relative humidity prevents desiccation, extending survival.
- Life stage: adults outlast nymphs and eggs when deprived of blood.
- Food‑free interval: bed bugs can enter a dormancy state, reducing metabolic demand.
Consequently, a vacant property can remain infested for many months, potentially up to a year, if environmental conditions are favorable. Prompt inspection and treatment are necessary to prevent re‑establishment when occupants return.