Bed Bugs Need Blood At Every Stage

Do bedbugs need blood at every stage of lifecycle to grow to the next stage ? Can they grow without getting blood ?

Editor Response: Do Bed Bugs Need Blood at Every Stage to Grow?

Yes, bed bugs need a blood meal at each stage of their lifecycle to grow to the next stage. Blood is essential for their development and molting process. Here’s how it works:

Bed Bug Lifecycle and Feeding

Egg Stage: Bed bugs do not feed while in the egg stage. They rely on stored nutrients until they hatch.
Nymph Stages (5 Instars): Bed bugs go through five nymphal stages before becoming adults. To molt and grow from one stage to the next, they require a full blood meal. Without blood, they cannot advance to the next instar.
Adult Stage: Adult bed bugs also require blood meals, primarily to reproduce. Females need blood to lay eggs.

Can They Survive Without Blood?

While bed bugs need blood to grow and reproduce, they can survive for extended periods without feeding—sometimes months, depending on environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. However, they remain in their current stage and cannot grow or lay eggs until they have access to blood.

Key Takeaway

Blood is critical for a bed bug’s growth and lifecycle progression. Without it, they stay in their current stage but can remain dormant for long periods while waiting for a host.

Let us know if you have any other questions about bed bugs!

Jeff
Editor and Publisher
Bed Bugs Handbook