How long do bedbugs live in clothing? - briefly
Bed bugs can remain viable on fabrics for up to four to six months without feeding. Their lifespan shortens with cooler temperatures or regular washing.
How long do bedbugs live in clothing? - in detail
Bed bugs can remain viable on fabrics for several months, but survival depends on temperature, humidity, and access to a blood meal.
Adult insects typically live 4–6 months without feeding when ambient conditions are moderate (20–25 °C, 50–70 % relative humidity). At cooler temperatures (10–15 °C) the metabolic rate drops, extending survivorship to 8–12 months. Conversely, exposure to temperatures above 30 °C accelerates dehydration and can kill adults within weeks.
Nymphal stages survive longer without nourishment because they molt several times. First‑instar nymphs may endure up to 10 weeks, while later instars can persist for 2–3 months under favorable conditions.
Key factors influencing longevity on clothing:
- Temperature: low temperatures prolong life; high temperatures reduce it.
- Humidity: moderate humidity prevents desiccation; very dry air shortens survival.
- Blood source: access to a host resets the life cycle and adds another 4–6 months to adult lifespan.
- Fabric type: tightly woven or synthetic materials retain less moisture than cotton or wool, affecting dehydration rates.
If garments are stored in a sealed plastic bag at room temperature, bed bugs can survive for the full 4–6 month adult period. Heating the items to 50 °C for at least 30 minutes or freezing them at –18 °C for 48 hours reliably exterminates all life stages.
In summary, on untreated clothing, adult bed bugs may live up to half a year without feeding, with potential extension to a year under cool, humid storage, while nymphs survive for weeks to a few months depending on their developmental stage. Proper temperature treatment is the most effective method for eliminating them from textiles.