Bed bugs are small, nocturnal insects (genus Cimex) that primarily feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. These parasitic creatures, typically 4 to 5 mm long with a flattened, oval shape, emerge from hiding spots at night to take blood meals. Their ability to go dormant, a state often misunderstood, relates to their survival when conditions are unfavorable for active feeding and reproduction.
Understanding Bed Bug Inactivity
Bed bugs do not truly hibernate or enter suspended animation like some other insects. Instead, under challenging environmental conditions, they enter a period of reduced activity called diapause. This state significantly slows their metabolic rate, conserving energy and allowing them to survive extended periods without a blood meal, especially when hosts are scarce or temperatures are low.
Conditions Triggering Inactivity
Two primary factors trigger bed bug inactivity: the absence of a blood meal and low temperatures. Without a host, bed bugs reduce their metabolism to conserve energy, a process enhanced by cooler conditions. Temperatures below approximately 7°C (46°F) cause them to slow down and enter this dormant-like state. During this phase, their growth and reproduction largely cease, allowing them to wait for more suitable conditions.
Survival Periods Without a Host
Bed bugs can survive for considerable durations without a blood meal, influenced by temperature, humidity, and life stage. Adult bed bugs show remarkable resilience, surviving several months to over a year under optimal inactive conditions. For instance, at 10°C (50°F), adults can survive up to 400 days or 18 months. Younger nymphs are more vulnerable, typically perishing within weeks to a few months without feeding. While they endure long periods without food, their activity and reproduction are significantly diminished.
Dealing with Inactive Bed Bugs
Understanding bed bug inactivity is crucial for effective pest management. Since these insects survive extended periods without feeding, simply vacating an infested property briefly may not eliminate them. Thorough inspection of vacant properties or stored items is necessary, as inactive bed bugs reactivate once a host becomes available. Professional pest control accounts for this survival, often using heat treatments (above 45°C/113°F) for eradication across all life stages. Other strategies include prolonged monitoring and sealing potential hiding spots to manage infestations.