Myth Busted – Cold Exposure Won’t Kill Bed Bugs
At EnviroPest, we get emergency calls for bed bug infestations all winter long. Our service technicians often talk with customers who believe cold exposure is a good way to kill these pests. But bed bugs are much tougher than you might think, and it takes more to tackle an infestation than a quick freeze.
How Long Can Bed Bugs Survive the Cold?
Bed bugs stay active at temperatures as low as 46 degrees and can survive at even lower temperatures. They begin to die at temperatures below 0°F, but the catch is that exposure to this level of cold needs to stay consistent for at least four days to kill these resilient pests. That means putting a suitcase or mattress outdoors or opening the windows on a cold December day won’t kill bed bugs.
Are Bed Bugs More Active in Winter?
Most annoying summer insects such as gnats and mosquitoes disappear as the weather gets cold. But bed bugs don’t live on your lawn or under your deck. They’re carried into your home by a host.
In the winter, many people travel during the holidays, so the likelihood of encountering bed bugs increases because of hotel stays, traveling in vehicles, or when luggage gets exposed during a trip away from home. So, when humans are moving around, so are bed bugs.
Bed Bugs Thrive Indoors
Bed bugs have a high cold tolerance. When faced with colder temperatures, bed bugs and many other insects can go into what’s called “diapause.” It isn’t hibernation, but rather a state where bugs preserve their energy until things warm up and they can begin creating issues in your home again.
However, keep in mind that bed bugs thrive indoors, so they don’t generally have to deal with extreme cold. They’re comfortable inside all winter with you and the family as long as the temperature stays warm. Also, during the winter, our homes tend to be slightly warmer than usual, which creates a perfect environment for bed bugs to wreak havoc.
The Best Way to Kill Bed Bugs
The most effective way to deal with bed bugs is to contact professional exterminators. The team at EnviroPest is experienced in identifying infestations and developing a strategic plan to eliminate bed bugs in your home.
Our technicians will do an extensive inspection of your home, including beds, furniture, and linens. Once the location of the bed bugs is determined, we’ll implement various treatments using steam, heat, and residual pesticides. Bed bugs can spread quickly through your home, so the best strategy is to bring in the professionals at EnviroPest to address the issue proactively.
EnviroPest Will Fix Your Bed Bug Issues Fast
EnviroPest provides a powerful, customized bed bug treatment that targets bed bugs and eliminates them where they live and breed. Our process removes visible bed bugs and treats the affected area to eliminate any hidden ones, including their eggs. Contact us to learn more about our pest control services and to schedule a free inspection if you suspect bed bugs have invaded your home.
