How old is a bedbug? - briefly
An adult bedbug usually lives 4–6 weeks without a blood meal, extending to several months when feeding regularly. From egg to death, its total lifespan ranges from about two to five months, influenced by temperature and host availability.
How old is a bedbug? - in detail
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are hematophagous insects that complete their development on a single host species. An individual’s lifespan varies with environmental conditions, but a typical adult can survive from several weeks to many months without feeding.
The complete life cycle consists of three phases:
- Egg stage: 5–10 days at 22 °C–30 °C; eggs hatch into first‑instar nymphs.
- Nymphal development: Five molts are required. Each instar lasts 4–14 days when a blood meal is obtained; total nymphal period ranges from 30 to 50 days under optimal temperatures.
- Adult stage: After the final molt, the adult lives up to 6 months when provided regular blood meals. In cooler environments or during prolonged starvation, adults may persist for a year or more, entering a dormant state (cryptobiosis).
Key factors influencing longevity:
- Temperature: Warmer conditions accelerate development but shorten adult survival; cooler temperatures extend life span but slow growth.
- Feeding frequency: Regular blood intake supports reproductive activity and prolongs adult viability; extended starvation can reduce lifespan but may trigger dormancy.
- Humidity: Moderate relative humidity (50–70 %) favors development; extreme dryness or excess moisture can increase mortality.
In practice, a bed bug that reaches adulthood typically lives 2–4 months with regular feeding. Under adverse conditions—low temperature, scarce hosts—the same insect may survive up to 12 months, representing the upper bound of its natural lifespan.