How long do laundry bedbugs live? - briefly
Adult bed bugs typically survive 2–6 months without a blood meal, extending up to about a year when temperature and humidity are optimal. Their lifespan shortens dramatically in colder or drier environments.
How long do laundry bedbugs live? - in detail
Bedbugs typically survive for several months under normal indoor conditions. An adult can live from two to six months, with occasional reports of up to a year when temperature remains around 20 °C–25 °C and food (blood meals) is regularly available. Development proceeds through five nymphal instars; each stage lasts about a week to two weeks, depending on temperature and feeding frequency. Eggs hatch in 6–10 days, producing the first nymph.
The environment inside laundry items influences survival dramatically. Key factors include temperature, moisture, and exposure to detergents or disinfectants.
- Cold wash (≤30 °C): Adults may remain viable; nymphs and eggs can survive for weeks.
- Warm wash (≥50 °C): Temperatures above 50 °C for at least 10 minutes significantly reduce viability; many individuals die, but some eggs may persist.
- Hot wash (≥60 °C): Sustained exposure for 5–10 minutes kills virtually all life stages, including eggs.
- Dryer heat (≥70 °C): Air‑drying at high temperature for 30 minutes eliminates remaining insects.
- Low‑temperature cycles (≤15 °C): Extend lifespan; adults can survive several months without feeding.
If laundry is left damp after washing, bedbugs may use the moisture to rehydrate and resume activity within days. Conversely, thorough drying removes the moisture needed for survival and accelerates mortality.
In summary, adult bedbugs live two to six months, potentially longer under optimal conditions. Their survival in clothing or linens depends on laundering temperature and drying method; washing at 60 °C or higher, followed by high‑heat drying, ensures complete eradication.