How long do bedbugs stay in dormancy? - briefly
Bed bugs can survive without feeding for up to six months, and in cooler conditions they may remain dormant for as long as a year. The exact duration depends on temperature, humidity, and host availability.
How long do bedbugs stay in dormancy? - in detail
Bed bugs can enter a dormant phase when environmental conditions become unfavorable, primarily low temperatures and limited food sources. This state, often referred to as quiescence, differs from true diapause and allows individuals to survive extended periods without feeding.
Temperature is the most critical factor. At temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F), metabolic activity slows dramatically. Under such conditions, adult and nymphal stages have been documented to survive without a blood meal for:
- 2–3 months at 5 °C (41 °F)
- 6 months or more at 0 °C (32 °F)
- Up to 12 months at sub‑zero temperatures when protected by insulation
Humidity influences survival time but to a lesser extent. Relative humidity above 70 % reduces desiccation risk, extending dormancy, while very dry environments accelerate dehydration and mortality.
Life‑stage differences affect endurance. Eggs lack the ability to endure prolonged starvation and typically hatch within 6–10 days when conditions improve. Nymphs, especially later instars, can persist longer than early instars, with fifth‑instar individuals capable of surviving several months without feeding under cool, humid conditions.
Reactivation occurs when temperatures rise above the 15 °C (59 °F) threshold and a host becomes available. Bed bugs resume feeding within 24 hours of encountering a suitable blood source, provided they have not exceeded their physiological limits during dormancy.
In summary, the maximum duration of inactivity ranges from a few months in mild cool conditions to a year or more in near‑freezing environments, contingent on temperature, humidity, and developmental stage.