Can Bed Bugs Live In The Cold?

Bed Bugs and Temperature

With the ability to adapt to cooler temperatures, bed bugs can thrive in a number of conditions. The hitchhiking pests are not choosy when it comes to where they hide or who they feed on. As long as blood meals are available, a bed bug will persist.

Can Bed Bugs Live in the Cold?

Ancestors of the human bed bug lived in caves, feeding on the blood of bats. This adapted the insects to cooler temperatures and also extended their life span. Therefore, it is not uncommon to find them infesting homes even in the middle of winter.

Freezing Bed Bugs

While bed bugs can live in cold habitats in nature, freezing infested items at extreme temperatures is sometimes used as a control method. Several tips can make this technique more successful:

• Always use a freezer when removing bed bugs from homes. Do not rely on outside weather conditions, as they are subject to change.

• Most home items can be frozen safely, but refrain from freezing electronics, antiques, and valuables.

• Items must be left inside a freezer set to zero degrees Fahrenheit or lower for at least four days.

Removing Bed Bug Infestations

Bed bugs can live in the cold to a certain extent, but they're no match for a standard kitchen freezer. Unfortunately, this method isn't always ideal. Not only is it impractical for large or fragile objects, but many people don't want the hassle of storing their belongings in the freezer for days at a time.

In addition, without an entire home treatment, any items frozen to remove the pests may simply become re-infested. Temperature-related control can help in the fight against bed bugs, but the professionals at Orkin have the experience and expertise to ensure effective removal.

Help protect your home throughout the year with seasonal pest control solutions.