How long does a domestic bed bug live? - briefly
A common bed bug typically lives four to six months, with lifespan influenced by temperature and blood meals. In cool environments with limited feeding, it can survive up to about a year.
How long does a domestic bed bug live? - in detail
The domestic bed bug (Cimex lectularius) completes its life cycle in several distinct phases.
Eggs hatch within 6‑10 days under typical indoor temperatures (21‑27 °C). The emerging first‑instar nymph must obtain a blood meal before molting. Bed bugs undergo five successive molts, each requiring a successful feed. The duration of each instar varies with temperature and host availability, ranging from 4‑14 days in warm environments to several weeks in cooler settings.
Adult insects emerge after the fifth molt. Under optimal conditions—consistent access to blood, temperatures between 24‑29 °C, and low disturbance—adults may live 5‑7 months, with some individuals reaching 12 months. In colder or food‑scarce situations, adult survival can drop to 2‑3 months, as prolonged fasting accelerates mortality.
Key factors influencing longevity:
- Temperature: higher ambient heat speeds development and shortens the overall life span; lower temperatures prolong each stage but increase risk of death without feeding.
- Feeding frequency: regular blood meals extend adult life; a single missed meal can reduce survival by weeks.
- Humidity: moderate relative humidity (40‑60 %) supports normal development; extreme dryness or excess moisture can impair molting.
- Population density: overcrowding leads to competition for hosts, potentially shortening individual lifespans.
Overall, a household bed bug typically persists for several months, with the maximum documented lifespan approaching one year when environmental conditions are consistently favorable.