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Do Bed Bugs Like The Cold

Do Bed Bugs Like The Cold

Written by: Daniel Connell · Updated on: January 19, 2024

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Key Takeaways

Do bed bugs like the cold? It's a question that has long been debated, with no clear cut answer. Bed bugs are usually found in warmer climates, usually between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they can survive temperatures as low as 46 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Studies have shown that bed bugs can become inactive in cooler environments, but will become active again when the temperature rises.

Extreme cold temperatures such as freezing temperatures and below can help eliminate bed bugs. But it is not a reliable solution or method of extermination. In colder climates you may need additional methods such as bug sprays or mattress encasement to protect your mattress from bed bugs if you fear an infestation.

Before attempting any form of treatment or extermination inspect your mattress and surrounding areas carefully. Professional pest control services may also offer useful prevention tips to reduce the risk of introducing bed bugs into your home environment.

It's important to remember that while extreme cold temperatures can be effective at killing some types of pests, they are not always successful at eliminating all forms of infestation and should be used in conjunction with other methods for optimal results.

If you're worried about a potential infestation or simply want added peace of mind against harmful pests, replacing your mattress could be a valid solution. When shopping for new mattresses online look for those that feature materials designed with an anti-dust mite finish to further reduce risks associated with these pests entering your home environment.

How Cold Is Too Cold For Bed Bugs

Starting a mattress search? You should know that bed bugs can survive in temperatures as low as 46°F (7.8°C) with proper acclimation. However, temperatures below 45°F (7°C) may cause them to enter a state of torpor, which can lead to death.

Areas of the home that are consistently maintained between 41-45°F (5-7°C), such as basements and garages, can help prevent bed bug infestations by deterring the insects from entering or surviving. Cold treatments, such as freezing items in a deep freezer for at least 48 hours, can also kill bed bugs.

While colder climates may naturally deter bed bugs due to their inability to survive in colder temperatures, warmer climates cannot guarantee prevention because of the insect's adaptability. So it's important to take preventative measures wherever you live - inspect for signs of an infestation regularly and consider replacing your mattress for extra protection against bed bugs before investing in products that do not deliver lasting results.

Do Bed Bugs Prefer Hot Or Cold Environments?

Bed bugs thrive in a variety of temperatures, but they prefer a range between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they can survive in temperatures as low as 46 degrees Fahrenheit, but they develop and reproduce slower. High temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can kill bed bugs, but they can tolerate short exposures to higher temperatures. Bed bugs are adaptable and can survive in different temperatures as long as they have a source of food, human blood.

To eliminate bed bug infestation, seek professional pest control services that target bed bugs at all stages of their life cycle, regardless of the temperature in your home. Turning down the thermostat to a cooler temperature is not enough to eliminate bed bugs. Additionally, take precautions when traveling, inspect hotel rooms for bed bugs, keep your luggage off the ground and away from the bed, and immediately wash and dry any clothing or bedding brought on the trip. When purchasing used furniture, thoroughly inspect it for any signs of bed bugs before bringing it into your home.

In summary, bed bugs have a preference for temperatures between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can survive in a range of temperatures. Seeking professional pest control services is the most effective way to eliminate a bed bug infestation, regardless of the temperature in your home.

A rotated mattress, much like rotated tires, typically wears more evenly and reduces indentions or support issues.

Can Freezing Temperatures Get Rid Of Bed Bugs?

Freezing temperatures can effectively kill bed bugs. Bed bugs cannot survive at temperatures below 0°F (-18°C). However, the temperature must be sustained for at least four days to ensure all bugs and their eggs are eliminated.

There are a few ways to use freezing temperatures to get rid of bed bugs. One way is to place any infested items in sealed plastic bags and leave them in the freezer for four days. Another option is to use dry ice. Place dry ice in a Styrofoam container, put the infested item on top, and seal the container. Leave it for four days to ensure all bugs and eggs are killed.

While freezing can be effective, it's not always practical. It can be challenging to fit large items in a freezer, and using dry ice can be dangerous if not handled properly. Additionally, freezing may not work in an already cold area like a basement or garage where the temperature may be below freezing.

If you plan to use freezing temperatures to eradicate bed bugs, take precautions to prevent damage to your belongings. Properly seal items, and wrap delicate items in protective coverings. It's also a good idea to consult with a professional pest control company to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Will Turning Down The Thermostat Get Rid Of Bed Bugs?

Turning down the thermostat alone will not eliminate bed bugs. These pests can endure a range of temperatures, although they prefer warmth. However, heat treatment remains an effective way of killing bed bugs. You can use a portable heater or hire a professional exterminator who possesses specialized equipment to raise the temperature of the infested area to 118-122 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 90 minutes.

Besides heat treatment, you can combat bed bugs through vacuuming and sealing cracks in walls and floors. Thorough and consistent treatment is essential to ensure complete eradication of bed bugs and their eggs.

If you live in an apartment, alert your landlord or property manager so that they can coordinate treatment efforts with neighboring units. Bed bugs can spread quickly and develop into a larger infestation, and immediate action is crucial.

Although turning down the thermostat is not a practical treatment method, washing bedding and clothes regularly in hot water and drying on high heat can help prevent and control bed bug infestations. Also, inspect secondhand furniture and clothing for signs of bed bugs before bringing them into your home.

How Can I Use Cold Temperatures To Kill Bed Bugs In My Home?

Using cold temperatures can be an effective way to get rid of bed bugs in your home. Bed bugs cannot survive extreme cold, making it a natural and non-toxic way to eradicate them. One option is to freeze infested items, such as bedding and clothing, by placing them in sealed plastic bags and storing them in the freezer for 72 hours. This will kill the bugs and their eggs.

For larger infestations, consider hiring a professional pest control service that specializes in freezing bed bugs. They use special equipment to cool entire rooms to subzero temperatures, which kills the bugs without damaging your belongings. However, note that bed bugs are skilled at hiding, so it's important to take steps to prevent re-infestation.

While using cold temperatures to kill bed bugs is effective for small infestations or in conjunction with other treatments, it's not foolproof. Be sure to regularly inspect your home and belongings for signs of bed bugs and take preventative measures to avoid re-infestation.

Additional Content:

About X

X is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NapLab.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, Huffington Post, Washington Post, AskMen, and She Knows. X has personally tested over 268+ mattresses and hundreds of pillows, sheets, beds, and other sleep products.

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References

Do Bed Bugs Like The Cold

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Do bed bugs like the cold? It's a question that has long been debated, with no clear cut answer. Bed bugs are usually found in warmer climates, usually between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they can survive temperatures as low as 46 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Studies have shown that bed bugs can become inactive in cooler environments, but will become active again when the temperature rises.

Extreme cold temperatures such as freezing temperatures and below can help eliminate bed bugs. But it is not a reliable solution or method of extermination. In colder climates you may need additional methods such as bug sprays or mattress encasement to protect your mattress from bed bugs if you fear an infestation.

Before attempting any form of treatment or extermination inspect your mattress and surrounding areas carefully. Professional pest control services may also offer useful prevention tips to reduce the risk of introducing bed bugs into your home environment.

It's important to remember that while extreme cold temperatures can be effective at killing some types of pests, they are not always successful at eliminating all forms of infestation and should be used in conjunction with other methods for optimal results.

If you're worried about a potential infestation or simply want added peace of mind against harmful pests, replacing your mattress could be a valid solution. When shopping for new mattresses online look for those that feature materials designed with an anti-dust mite finish to further reduce risks associated with these pests entering your home environment.

How Cold Is Too Cold For Bed Bugs

Starting a mattress search? You should know that bed bugs can survive in temperatures as low as 46°F (7.8°C) with proper acclimation. However, temperatures below 45°F (7°C) may cause them to enter a state of torpor, which can lead to death.

Areas of the home that are consistently maintained between 41-45°F (5-7°C), such as basements and garages, can help prevent bed bug infestations by deterring the insects from entering or surviving. Cold treatments, such as freezing items in a deep freezer for at least 48 hours, can also kill bed bugs.

While colder climates may naturally deter bed bugs due to their inability to survive in colder temperatures, warmer climates cannot guarantee prevention because of the insect's adaptability. So it's important to take preventative measures wherever you live - inspect for signs of an infestation regularly and consider replacing your mattress for extra protection against bed bugs before investing in products that do not deliver lasting results.

Do Bed Bugs Prefer Hot Or Cold Environments?

Bed bugs thrive in a variety of temperatures, but they prefer a range between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they can survive in temperatures as low as 46 degrees Fahrenheit, but they develop and reproduce slower. High temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can kill bed bugs, but they can tolerate short exposures to higher temperatures. Bed bugs are adaptable and can survive in different temperatures as long as they have a source of food, human blood.

To eliminate bed bug infestation, seek professional pest control services that target bed bugs at all stages of their life cycle, regardless of the temperature in your home. Turning down the thermostat to a cooler temperature is not enough to eliminate bed bugs. Additionally, take precautions when traveling, inspect hotel rooms for bed bugs, keep your luggage off the ground and away from the bed, and immediately wash and dry any clothing or bedding brought on the trip. When purchasing used furniture, thoroughly inspect it for any signs of bed bugs before bringing it into your home.

In summary, bed bugs have a preference for temperatures between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can survive in a range of temperatures. Seeking professional pest control services is the most effective way to eliminate a bed bug infestation, regardless of the temperature in your home.

Can Freezing Temperatures Get Rid Of Bed Bugs?

Freezing temperatures can effectively kill bed bugs. Bed bugs cannot survive at temperatures below 0°F (-18°C). However, the temperature must be sustained for at least four days to ensure all bugs and their eggs are eliminated.

There are a few ways to use freezing temperatures to get rid of bed bugs. One way is to place any infested items in sealed plastic bags and leave them in the freezer for four days. Another option is to use dry ice. Place dry ice in a Styrofoam container, put the infested item on top, and seal the container. Leave it for four days to ensure all bugs and eggs are killed.

While freezing can be effective, it's not always practical. It can be challenging to fit large items in a freezer, and using dry ice can be dangerous if not handled properly. Additionally, freezing may not work in an already cold area like a basement or garage where the temperature may be below freezing.

If you plan to use freezing temperatures to eradicate bed bugs, take precautions to prevent damage to your belongings. Properly seal items, and wrap delicate items in protective coverings. It's also a good idea to consult with a professional pest control company to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Will Turning Down The Thermostat Get Rid Of Bed Bugs?

Turning down the thermostat alone will not eliminate bed bugs. These pests can endure a range of temperatures, although they prefer warmth. However, heat treatment remains an effective way of killing bed bugs. You can use a portable heater or hire a professional exterminator who possesses specialized equipment to raise the temperature of the infested area to 118-122 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 90 minutes.

Besides heat treatment, you can combat bed bugs through vacuuming and sealing cracks in walls and floors. Thorough and consistent treatment is essential to ensure complete eradication of bed bugs and their eggs.

If you live in an apartment, alert your landlord or property manager so that they can coordinate treatment efforts with neighboring units. Bed bugs can spread quickly and develop into a larger infestation, and immediate action is crucial.

Although turning down the thermostat is not a practical treatment method, washing bedding and clothes regularly in hot water and drying on high heat can help prevent and control bed bug infestations. Also, inspect secondhand furniture and clothing for signs of bed bugs before bringing them into your home.

How Can I Use Cold Temperatures To Kill Bed Bugs In My Home?

Using cold temperatures can be an effective way to get rid of bed bugs in your home. Bed bugs cannot survive extreme cold, making it a natural and non-toxic way to eradicate them. One option is to freeze infested items, such as bedding and clothing, by placing them in sealed plastic bags and storing them in the freezer for 72 hours. This will kill the bugs and their eggs.

For larger infestations, consider hiring a professional pest control service that specializes in freezing bed bugs. They use special equipment to cool entire rooms to subzero temperatures, which kills the bugs without damaging your belongings. However, note that bed bugs are skilled at hiding, so it's important to take steps to prevent re-infestation.

While using cold temperatures to kill bed bugs is effective for small infestations or in conjunction with other treatments, it's not foolproof. Be sure to regularly inspect your home and belongings for signs of bed bugs and take preventative measures to avoid re-infestation.