Even the most diligent accommodations may face the scourge of bed bugs from time to time. These reddish-brown nocturnal pests are inconveniently nomadic, moving from place to place with uncanny efficiency. They’re itchy, irritating, bite-happy, literally bloodthirsty, rude, and ill-mannered. On top of all that, they seem to live forever.
Exactly how long do bed bugs live? Their lifespans average around four to six months. In some conditions, however, a bed bug can live for up to a year.
Understanding the life cycle of bed bugs and the environments in which they thrive is crucial for preventing their spread or fighting a current infestation. We’ll examine the stages and events that happen in a bed bug’s misspent life, how they spread, and how to prevent them from taking over.
The Bed Bug Life Cycle
The life cycle of a bed bug goes through three stages.
Egg
Bed bugs start out as eggs. These eggs are pearly white, somewhat rough to the touch, and generally laid in clusters. They’re also nearly impossible to detect with the naked eye because they measure about one millimeter, the size of a single poppy seed.
A female bed bug can lay five eggs every day. Over her lifetime, she may lay as many as 500 eggs. That seems exhausting — no wonder she’s bedridden!
Bed bug eggs hatch after about two weeks, at which point the bugs immediately start feeding.
Nymph
Young bed bugs are called nymphs. At their earliest stages, they appear yellow-white. In time, their appearance turns reddish-brown. Nymphs usually undergo five molts before they reach full maturity, which occurs after about five weeks at room temperature.
To get through the final stages of molting, nymphs need a steady diet of blood. Every drop brings them closer to adulthood.
Adult
After about five weeks, the bed bug reaches adulthood. In little over a month, it can grow to four or five millimeters, about the size of a sesame seed. The daily mission of a bed bug is to find a worthy but unknowing host, feed on the host’s blood, and return to its hiding spot to get some rest and digest its meal.
Female bed bugs also have to do all of the egg-laying. The reproduction process is incredibly efficient — it has to be for a bug that lays 500 eggs! This constant activity means that the appearance of just one bed bug can turn into an itchy nightmare if not properly addressed.
Factors That Affect a Bed Bug’s Life Cycle
Most adult bed bugs can live up to about five or six months. A few environmental conditions play a role in shortening or extending this life expectancy.
Feeding
A bed bug needs a healthy supply of blood to arrive at adulthood, typically feeding every three to seven days. However, dormant bed bugs can live up to five months without feeding at all. In rare cases, they can last as long as a year.
Temperature
Weather conditions play a big role in determining a bed bug’s life expectancy. In warm weather, the development cycle of a bed bug accelerates.
How long do bed bugs live in cold weather? The cold doesn’t generally cause bed bugs to die; instead, it slows the development process and actually extends the bug’s potential lifespan. However, extreme temperatures can terminate a bed bug’s life, whether hot or cold.
Humidity
Bed bugs tend to thrive in overly humid places. Studies have proven that humidity levels between 75% and 100% are ideal for extending a bed bug’s life. In dry conditions where humidity is 15% or lower, bed bugs often die on the spot.
Habitats
Bed bugs love clutter. They seek places to hide and live in messy spaces where they’re unlikely to be discovered. However, they also like living in tight spaces, like between furniture cushions and, of course, in bed and box spring crevices.
Getting Rid of Bed Bugs
How does one end a bed bug infestation and prevent the critters from coming back? A few tips include:
- Raising the temperature in bed bug habitats to 125 degrees
- Keeping the area sanitary by vacuuming and cleaning frequently
- Hiring a professional exterminator
- Inspecting mattresses and furnishings regularly
Bed bugs wear out their welcome in a hurry, but by taking these measures, you can show them the door.
ESS Universal manufactures and supplies high-quality, cost-effective commercial grade beds, mattresses, and furniture to camps, hostels, shelters, dorms and more. View our entire line of furniture products including our popular waterproof foam mattress for institutional use, single metal bed frames, single over single bunk beds, single over double bunk beds, and triple bunk beds. Download our catalog for detailed information on our complete product line.
