Bed bug life cycle

Bed bugs or also known by their scientific name Cimex lectularius, are parasitic insects that undergo an incomplete life cycle. This means that unlike insects with a complete life cycle, such as mosquitoes or flies, bed bugs do not go through a pupal stage.

Bed bug life cycle and stages consists of four main stages, including:

• Eggs 
• Nymph 
• Adult nymph 
• Adult bed bug

Each stage life cycle of a bed bug marks significant changes, although without the dramatic metamorphosis seen in other insects. From egg to adult, bed bugs take about 5 - 6 weeks to develop, depending on temperature and environmental conditions. In ideal conditions, this process can be faster, enabling them to breed and spread rapidly in your home.

This page will provide an in-depth understanding of the stages of the bed bug life cycle, helping you understand how quickly bed bugs breed and why infestations can become a serious problem for the comfort of your home.

By recognizing the signs of each stage, you'll also be better equipped to prevent or manage a bed bug infestation before it becomes uncontrollable.

Bed bugs life cycle & stages

Stage 2 – Nymph

The crucial stage for bed bugs development and reproduction cycle.

After the eggs hatch and the bed bugs move into the nymph stage. At this point, bed bug nymphs are extremely small (about 1.5 mm) and almost transparent, making them nearly invisible to the untrained eye.

Despite their tiny size, bed bug’s nymphs are already on the hunt for a blood meal to fuel their growth to the next stage. They feed on the blood of mammals, including humans and pets, which is essential for their development into adult bed bugs and for continuing their reproductive cycle.

Bed bug nymphs undergo five distinct growth stages before reaching adulthood. During each stage, they molt and gradually increase in size. This growth process is a critical part of the bed bug life cycle, enabling them to mature and eventually reproduce, leading to a widespread infestation if not addressed quickly.

Stage 3 – Adult nymph

After several molts, bed bug nymphs develop into adult nymphs, a stage where they begin to closely resemble fully mature bed bugs, though they remain smaller (3.5 - 4.5 mm) and lighter in color .

At this stage, adult nymphs become more active in seeking a blood meal to support their growth and development. Although they have not yet reached their full size, they play a crucial role in advancing the bed bug infestation..

Once they have consumed blood, they rapidly mature into adult bed bugs, which are fully capable of reproducing and spreading. This marks a pivotal moment in the infestation, as the bed bugs are now equipped to multiply and significantly worsen the infestation within a short time. Early detection of bed bug infestations at this stage is essential for preventing further escalation and damage to your home.

Stage 4 – Adult bed bug

The final stage in the bed bug life cycle.

Adult bed bugs characterized by flat, reddish-brown bodies measuring around 4.5 - 5.5 mm in length. At this stage, adult bed bugs typically hide near human resting places, such as mattresses, sofas, or the crevices of furniture.

As nocturnal insects, bed bugs are most active during the night, which explains why bed bug bites often occur on people after they've been resting or sleeping.

How long can bed bugs live?

Bed bugs typically have a lifespan of 6 - 12 months, depending on environmental conditions and access to food sources. When bed bugs have regular access to human or animal blood, they can reproduce rapidly and live longer.

How long do bed bugs live without feeding?

If the question is, "How long do bed bugs live without feeding?" – in situations where food is scarce, bed bugs can survive for extended periods, sometimes up to a year. This remarkable ability to endure without food makes them one of the most challenging pests to eliminate without professional help.

How to get rid of bed bugs at every stage of their life cycle? 

Eliminating bed bugs from your home can be challenging. These resilient pests can survive in various conditions and throughout all stages of their life cycle. To ensure lasting results, a comprehensive and targeted approach to bed bug control is essential.

The best way to tackle bed bugs at every stage of their life cycle is to seek the help of a trusted professional pest control service that is expert in eliminating bed bugs at home.

For years, Rentokil has been a trusted professional bed bug control service in Indonesia. Rentokil’s Bed Bug Elimination Program provides a safe, environmentally friendly and highly effective solution to eliminate bed bugs, from eggs to adults. Our approach includes three main methods: thorough inspection, vacuum and steam treatment - which are designed to get rid of bed bugs at every stage of their life cycle.

Don't waste time. Schedule your bed bug control treatment today for a bed bug-free home. Contact Rentokil at 150808 or complete the online form below.