How long do bedbugs live without food in a house? - briefly
Adult bed bugs can survive without a blood meal for roughly four to six months, and under cooler conditions may persist up to a year. Nymphs endure slightly less, typically two to three months without feeding.
How long do bedbugs live without food in a house? - in detail
Bedbugs can survive for extended periods without a blood meal, but the exact duration depends on several biological and environmental factors. In a domestic setting, adult insects typically endure between three and five months without feeding, with some individuals lasting up to a year under optimal conditions. Nymphs, which require more frequent nourishment for development, survive for shorter intervals, generally two to three months.
Key variables influencing survival time include:
- Temperature: Cooler environments (15 °C–20 °C) slow metabolism, extending fasting periods; higher temperatures (above 30 °C) increase metabolic rate, reducing survival time.
- Humidity: Moderate relative humidity (50 %–70 %) supports longer fasting; very low humidity accelerates dehydration and mortality.
- Age and developmental stage: Mature adults possess larger energy reserves than early‑instar nymphs.
- Access to shelter: Secure hiding places protect against desiccation and predation, enhancing longevity.
Physiological mechanisms enable prolonged fasting. Bedbugs store lipids and glycogen in their fat bodies, mobilizing these reserves when blood is unavailable. Metabolic suppression further conserves energy, allowing them to maintain essential functions while awaiting a host.
In practical terms, infestations can persist despite temporary absence of occupants. Effective control measures must therefore target both active insects and those in dormant states, recognizing that a single feeding opportunity can reactivate a population that has been fasting for several months.