How long can adult bed bugs survive without feeding?

Adult bed bugs are highly resilient creatures that can survive for extended periods without feeding. They have the remarkable ability to enter a state of dormancy, which allows them to conserve energy. Under optimal conditions, an adult bed bug can survive for a year or more without a blood meal. This survival skill is particularly advantageous because it enables them to withstand periods when hosts are not available, such as during colder months or when infestations are temporarily disrupted.

The other options do not accurately reflect the bed bug's survival capabilities. Less than a month and only a few weeks understate their durability, while saying about six months does not take into account the full potential of their survival time in ideal circumstances. Understanding this aspect of bed bug biology is critical for effective pest management and control strategies, especially in residential and commercial environments where they can proliferate if not addressed properly.