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How Cold Does It Have To Be To Kill Bed Bugs

How Cold Does It Have To Be To Kill Bed Bugs

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

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Key Takeaways

Bed bugs are persistent and hardy creatures, able to survive a range of temperatures. But how cold does it have to be to kill bed bugs?

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, bed bugs cannot survive below 32°F (0°C) for more than four days. At 41°F (5°C), bed bug eggs can live up to two weeks.

Freezing can contain the spread of these pests without harmful chemicals. To effectively kill off all life stages of the bed bug cycle, items need to be stored in sealed plastic bags at temperatures between 12-14 °F (-11 and -10 °C) for at least four days or longer. Specialized equipment is required, such as liquid nitrogen, which creates an instant frostbite on contact with bed bugs and their eggs.

Chemical treatments are still the most popular methods used by professionals in pest control operations; however, extreme cold can still be effective when used alongside traditional chemical treatments. Homeowners should note that specialized equipment and experience are needed when attempting DIY treatments with extreme cold or heat on their own - otherwise they may not be tackling the issue effectively and safely. It is best advised that homeowners hire an exterminator or pest removal service instead of attempting any form of DIY treatment themselves.

How Long Can Bed Bugs Live In The Cold

Bed bugs are resilient creatures that can survive in challenging environments, including cold temperatures. But how long do they last?

At 46-degree Fahrenheit or 8 degrees Celsius and above, bed bugs remain active and reproduce for several months. However, as temperatures dip below freezing, their metabolic rate slows and their lifespan is drastically reduced.

In extreme cold like subzero temperatures (10°F/-12°C), bedbugs become immobilized and may eventually die. Fortunately, most households don't experience these extreme conditions since home heating systems keep the temperature well above freezing.

It's important to note that while bed bugs can survive in the cold, they need a hospitable environment with ample food sources like blood in order to thrive. To reduce their access to food sources you can replace your mattress if it has become infested with bed bugs or other pests.

How Do You Kill Bed Bugs With A Cold

When it comes to killing bed bugs with cold temperatures, the temperature must be below 32°F (-0.00°C) for several days to a week. This length of time can vary depending on insulation and proximity to external heat sources.

Vacuum cleaners or steam cleaners with hot water and high pressure can help kill bed bugs by dehydrating them. This has been found to be more successful than relying solely on cold temperatures in some cases.

Freezing bed bugs may work temporarily, but not reliably. They can quickly recover when exposed to higher temperatures again.

For guaranteed eradication, replacing your mattress or hiring an exterminator are two options. Exterminators specialize in treating bed bug infestations with chemicals or other methods.

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

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

How Cold Does It Have To Be To Kill Bed Bugs

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Bed bugs are persistent and hardy creatures, able to survive a range of temperatures. But how cold does it have to be to kill bed bugs?

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, bed bugs cannot survive below 32°F (0°C) for more than four days. At 41°F (5°C), bed bug eggs can live up to two weeks.

Freezing can contain the spread of these pests without harmful chemicals. To effectively kill off all life stages of the bed bug cycle, items need to be stored in sealed plastic bags at temperatures between 12-14 °F (-11 and -10 °C) for at least four days or longer. Specialized equipment is required, such as liquid nitrogen, which creates an instant frostbite on contact with bed bugs and their eggs.

Chemical treatments are still the most popular methods used by professionals in pest control operations; however, extreme cold can still be effective when used alongside traditional chemical treatments. Homeowners should note that specialized equipment and experience are needed when attempting DIY treatments with extreme cold or heat on their own - otherwise they may not be tackling the issue effectively and safely. It is best advised that homeowners hire an exterminator or pest removal service instead of attempting any form of DIY treatment themselves.

How Long Can Bed Bugs Live In The Cold

Bed bugs are resilient creatures that can survive in challenging environments, including cold temperatures. But how long do they last?

At 46-degree Fahrenheit or 8 degrees Celsius and above, bed bugs remain active and reproduce for several months. However, as temperatures dip below freezing, their metabolic rate slows and their lifespan is drastically reduced.

In extreme cold like subzero temperatures (10°F/-12°C), bedbugs become immobilized and may eventually die. Fortunately, most households don't experience these extreme conditions since home heating systems keep the temperature well above freezing.

It's important to note that while bed bugs can survive in the cold, they need a hospitable environment with ample food sources like blood in order to thrive. To reduce their access to food sources you can replace your mattress if it has become infested with bed bugs or other pests.

How Do You Kill Bed Bugs With A Cold

When it comes to killing bed bugs with cold temperatures, the temperature must be below 32°F (-0.00°C) for several days to a week. This length of time can vary depending on insulation and proximity to external heat sources.

Vacuum cleaners or steam cleaners with hot water and high pressure can help kill bed bugs by dehydrating them. This has been found to be more successful than relying solely on cold temperatures in some cases.

Freezing bed bugs may work temporarily, but not reliably. They can quickly recover when exposed to higher temperatures again.

For guaranteed eradication, replacing your mattress or hiring an exterminator are two options. Exterminators specialize in treating bed bug infestations with chemicals or other methods.