How long do linen bedbugs survive without food? - briefly
Adult bed bugs can endure several weeks to a few months without a blood meal, with survival time influenced by temperature and humidity. Under optimal conditions they may persist for up to five months without feeding.
How long do linen bedbugs survive without food? - in detail
Bed bugs that reside in bedding can endure extended periods without a blood meal. Adult insects typically survive for several months, while nymphs have shorter limits due to higher metabolic demands.
- Adults: 4–6 months under optimal conditions; survival may extend to 9 months if temperature remains low (15‑20 °C) and humidity is moderate (45‑55 %).
- Late‑instar nymphs (4th‑5th stage): 2–3 months, with possible extension to 4 months in cool, humid environments.
- Early‑instar nymphs (1st‑3rd stage): 1–2 months; rapid depletion of energy reserves shortens survival time.
Key factors influencing starvation tolerance:
- Temperature: Lower temperatures slow metabolism, increasing endurance. At 30 °C, survival drops dramatically, often to less than a month for all stages.
- Relative humidity: Moderate humidity preserves cuticular water balance, aiding longevity. Extremely dry air accelerates desiccation, reducing survival by up to 50 %.
- Age and physiological condition: Older adults with abundant fat reserves outlast younger individuals. Nymphs that have recently molted possess limited reserves and perish sooner.
- Access to shelter: Protection within fabric layers reduces exposure to environmental extremes, marginally extending survival.
In practice, a fully fed adult hidden in sheets can remain viable for half a year without additional blood. After this interval, the likelihood of successful re‑infestation declines sharply, and mortality rates rise sharply across all life stages.