Bed bugs are a common problem across the United States. These pesky critters can be difficult to get rid of, and they can infest your home in a matter of days. Not only do they cause itchy bites, but they are also a major source of embarrassment if guests find out that you have an infestation.
So the big question is: Can bed bugs survive in cold weather? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t as simple as “yes” or “no.” In this article, we will answer that question and give you some tips on how to get rid of bed bugs if they do manage to survive the cold!
Table of Contents
Bed Bugs in General
Cimex lectularius, the common bed bug, is the best known as it prefers to feed on human blood. Other Cimex species specialize in other animals, e.g., bat bugs, such as Cimex pipistrelli, primarily feed on the blood of bats.
Bed bugs occur around the world and have been identified in almost every environment. They are found in warm and tropical climates and can live for up to a year without food or water.
Female bed bugs lay 500 eggs during their lifetime, which hatch within 6-17 days depending on temperature and humidity levels. Bed bug eggs are oval shaped, creamy white in color and measure less than 1mm long. Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown with flat bodies that measure between 4-5mm (1/8th to 3/16ths of an inch).
Bed bugs generally hide in cracks and crevices during the day and come out to feed on their host at night. They have an affinity for human blood, but will feed on other warm-blooded animals if necessary. They secrete a numbing chemical when they bite that often causes itchy bumps. Bed bugs are not known to transmit any diseases, however, their bites can become infected if scratched excessively.
So, as you can see, bed bugs are hearty little creatures – they can survive in a variety of environments, but the question is: can bed bugs live in cold weather?
Do Bed Bugs Survive in Cold Weather?
So as you can see, bed bugs are resilient little bugs that can survive in a variety of climates. But can they survive in cold weather? The short answer is yes, bed bugs can live in cold weather. However, there are certain conditions and temperatures at which it becomes almost impossible for them to thrive or even survive.
Bed bugs do not tolerate cold (below 40 degrees F) well and will usually die within weeks of exposure to such temperatures. This means they cannot survive outside during winter months in cooler regions. They also have trouble surviving indoors if the temperature drops below freezing for any length of time. However, even weeks are a lot of time for a bed bug infestation to spread, feed on humans and multiply, so you should always remain vigilant. They do not, however, hibernate in the winter like other insects. Instead, they enter a state of semi-hibernation called diapause where their metabolism slows down and they become dormant until conditions become more favorable.
Still, certain bed bugs can withstand -13 degrees F for a short while, so they may burrow into walls, flooring or furniture to find warmth if necessary. However, it is important to note that bed bugs are ectotherms and rely entirely on their environment for warmth. If the temperature drops too low, the likelihood of them surviving decreases significantly. [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs by Freezing
One of the ways to get rid of bed bugs is by using cold temperatures. This method has been found to be effective in killing adult bed bugs and eggs, but it must be done correctly.
To use this technique, start by reducing the temperature in the affected area as much as possible.
In fact, anything below this point will make it difficult for them to survive. You can also use a commercial freezing system or a homemade ice pack to reduce the temperature further.
This one might be an issue since most household freezers will not reach such low temperatures. If you are able to lower the temperature of your freezer, place any infested items inside and leave them there for at least four days to kill off the bed bugs.
You may also want to consider using a professional freezing treatment as this will be more effective in killing off all stages of bed bugs. It should also be noted that although freezing can help reduce or eliminate an infestation, it won’t totally get rid of them on its own and must be used as part of a comprehensive pest control plan.
Leaving your furniture outside, in a cold garage, or in a shed during winter months can also help reduce the number of bed bugs and eggs. However, you should remember that temperatures must remain below 0 degrees F for any chance of success. And you should never expose your furniture to the elements for extended periods of time as this can cause irreversible damage.
If you are dealing with bed bugs in electronics or valuable furniture, it is best to avoid using freezing as a method of control. Instead, we suggest you seek a professional pest control service to deal with your infestation.
Overall, freezing can be an effective way to get rid of bed bugs if done properly and as part of an integrated pest management plan. Remember to take all safety precautions when dealing with extreme temperatures and contact a professional if you are unsure about how to proceed.
Professionals will utilize something better than a freezer as bedbugs can sometimes survive in cold temperatures if it is not cold enough. They have specialized freezing equipment which is especially designed to control bedbugs (or any other pests) and are safer to use. Such equipment can be used on mattresses, furniture, carpets etc. Professionals also possess the required knowledge and skills that help them in controlling the infestation effectively and efficiently. [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Using Steam
Another way to get rid of bed bugs is by using a steam cleaner. This method can be used on furniture, curtains, mattresses and other items that may have been infested.
You can also use a combination of heat and chemical treatments for an even more effective way to eliminate any lingering bugs or eggs. However this method should only be used after consulting with a professional because it may not be safe for you or your family. [3], [5], [7]
How to Prevent Bed Bugs in Any Season
The best way to deal with bed bugs is to prevent them from gaining a foothold in the first place. This can be accomplished with a variety of methods which we are going to discuss in detail!
Inspect furniture regularly
One of the most important steps you can take to prevent bed bugs is to inspect all furniture regularly. This means checking for signs of bed bug activity such as brown spots, shells and eggs which are often left behind.
This is extremely important for second hand furniture which may already be infested with bed bugs.
Maintain a clean home
Another way to prevent bed bug infestations is by keeping your living space clean. This means vacuuming regularly, washing fabrics and linens often and inspecting behind furniture for any signs of activity.
By maintaining a clean home, you can make it difficult for bed bugs to establish themselves in your living environment.
Use covers
Using mattress and box spring covers is a great way to help prevent bed bugs from entering your home and infesting it. These covers are designed with materials that resist penetration by bed bug eggs and adults, and some may even trap existing bugs inside them. [5]
FAQ
Do bed bugs eventually go away?
No, bed bugs do not usually go away on their own. Bed bug infestations can persist for months or even years if they are not properly treated. Bed bugs can survive in cold weather conditions and will often remain dormant during the winter months when temperatures drop below freezing.
However, this does not mean that they will die off completely. Bed bugs have been known to hide in cracks, crevices and other tight spaces where they can remain inactive but still alive until warmer weather arrives. Treatment is necessary to effectively eliminate a bed bug infestation.
What is the main cause of bed bugs?
The main cause of bed bugs is the presence of a host. Bed bug infestations tend to occur in homes, hotels, or other dwellings where people sleep and carry these pests on their belongings (e.g., suitcases). Bed bug populations can quickly increase with favorable conditions such as warmth, available food sources like human blood, and harborage sites (e.g., cracks in walls).
Bed bugs can be transferred from place to place by people and their belongings. This is why it’s important to check your hotel room before you stay in it, especially if you are traveling. It’s also a good idea to inspect secondhand furniture before bringing it home.
At what temperature do bed bugs die?
Bed bugs cannot live in cold temperatures for long periods of time. In fact, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit will kill them. Even at this temperature, however, it can take days or even weeks of sustained exposure before the bugs die off completely.
It’s important to note that while extreme cold can slow down a bed bug infestation temporarily, it is not an effective method of extermination since there is no guarantee that all the bugs have been killed due to fluctuations in temperatures.
How long can bed bugs live in the cold?
Bed bugs are able to survive in temperatures as low as 33°F. However, the time it takes for them to die off in cold temperatures can take weeks or even months, depending on the temperature and humidity.
At temperatures under 35°F, bed bugs enter a state of dormancy and their metabolism slows down significantly. In this state, they are able to survive for much longer periods of time in cold weather than when exposed to warmer temperatures.
It is important to note that while bed bugs can live in colder climates without feeding, they will still need food sources available to them if they are going to thrive and reproduce. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that there is no food source nearby such as humans or pets before winter sets in if you would like to keep the infestation at bay. Additionally, sealing off any cracks or crevices around your home will help prevent bed bugs from entering your home and finding a food source.
Does a cold room keep bed bugs away?
Not really. Bed bugs can survive in temperatures as low as 32°F for weeks. So, while a cold room may be uncomfortable for bed bugs and keep populations down, it won’t prevent an infestation.
In fact, if a home has been left unoccupied or unused for some time during winter months, this could actually increase the chances of having an infestation because there aren’t any people around to disturb them. Similarly, due to their resilient nature, bed bugs can easily hitchhike on items like second hand furniture that have been stored outside in colder climates during those periods.
This way, you can ensure that any bed bugs inside will be killed off.
At what temperature do bed bugs freeze?
The temperature during which bed bugs die the fastest is 0 F. At that temperature, most bed bugs will die within several hours. However, it is possible for some individuals to survive temperatures as low as 32 F for up to a few weeks, depending on their age and the humidity level of the environment. Generally speaking, the colder the temperature is, the shorter amount of time they can survive.
Bed bugs are hardier than other types of insects, and their survival rates in cold weather are much higher than other bugs. It is possible for a bed bug to hibernate during the winter months, although it is unlikely that they will survive for the entire season if temperatures consistently remain below freezing. If temperatures reach or exceed 0 F, even for brief periods of time, most bed bugs will not survive.
Useful Video: Watch Bed Bugs Get Stopped in Their Tracks | Deep Look
Conclusion
Bed bugs can live in cold weather, although they prefer temperatures between above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower temperatures will slow their development, but they can survive freezing conditions if they are kept warm enough or are able to find a place to hide. It is important to be aware of the risks that come with colder weather and take steps to protect your home from bed bug infestations.
Yes, bed bugs can withstand the temps around 32°F (0°C) for weeks and to kill them you need to expose the piece of furniture to temps of 0°F for several days. In this article, we discuss whether bed bugs can survive cold weather, what temperature is needed to eradicate them, and how to prevent them in your home.
Freezing is one of the common methods used to get rid of bed bugs and prevent infestations. While it can be an effective way to kill them, it must be done properly due to their hardiness and ability to survive in low temperatures for weeks. Making sure your home is as clean as possible and taking steps to reduce clutter are also essential for keeping your home free from bed bug infestations.
By following the tips we outlined, you can be sure that your home is protected from bed bug infestations, regardless of the temperature outside. With the right prevention methods in place, you can rest assured knowing that your family is safe from these invasive pests!
If you have any additional questions or concerns about bed bugs and cold weather, contact a local pest control professional for more information. They can provide guidance on how to best protect your home from infestations and help get rid of any existing ones. Remember: When it comes to bed bugs, prevention is key!
References
- https://www.orkin.com/pests/bed-bugs/can-bed-bugs-live-in-the-cold
- https://www.moyerpest.com/blog/post/what-happens-to-bed-bugs-in-the-winter
- https://www.terminix.com/bed-bugs/do-it-yourself/freezing/
- https://www.jcehrlich.com/blog/can-bed-bugs-live-in-cold-weather/
- https://www.cooperpest.com/blog/can-bed-bugs-live-in-the-winter
- https://www.trulynolen.ca/can-bed-bugs-survive-winters-cold-spells/
- https://mandmpestcontrol.com/how-to-kill-bed-bugs-with-a-steamer/