Temperature is one of the biggest factors in determining whether bed bugs will survive. Many people wonder what temperature bed bugs freeze at, and if freezing temperatures can be used as a way to get rid of them. Read on as we discuss the answers to these questions and explain how you can use temperature to your advantage when dealing with a bed bug infestation.
Can Bed Bugs Survive in Cold Weather?
Yes, bed bugs can survive in cold weather. While colder temperatures can make it harder for them to reproduce and move around, some species of bed bugs can remain active even when temperatures are below the freezing point.
Do Bed Bugs Prefer Heat or Cold?
Bed bugs typically prefer warm temperatures; they usually won’t live long in environments where the temperature stays consistently below 50°F (10°C). The optimal temperature range is between 70°F and 85°F (21°C and 29°C), although they can also survive at lower temperatures if provided with a heat source.
Will Cold Kill Bed Bugs?
Cold temperatures alone won’t kill bed bugs completely – some may remain active if the temperature isn’t low enough for very long. Freezing temps can kill most bed bugs, but some species have been known to survive even at sub-zero temperatures.
Can Bed Bugs Survive Freezing Temperatures?
Yes, some species of bed bugs have been found to have high cold tolerance and can survive even at temperatures as low as -13°F (-25°C), but freezing temperatures affects their possibility of surviving. However, most bedbugs will die off after several days or weeks of extended exposure to freezing temps.
Do Bed Bugs Go into Hibernation During the Winter?
As weather conditions become colder and drier, bed bugs may enter a state of hibernation. This simply means that they will remain inactive until warmer temperatures return, while still able to sometimes survive freezing temperatures due to their hardy nature. However, even during hibernation, some species of bed bugs can still be active at temperatures below freezing.
Can You Use Freezing Temperatures to Eliminate Bed Bugs?
Freezing temperatures alone won’t get rid of all bed bugs – it is possible for some to survive at sub-zero temperatures for extended periods. To be effective in eliminating bedbugs, freezing must be combined with other methods like vacuuming and using insecticides for full eradication.
Can Bed Bugs Withstand Sublethal Temperatures?
Yes, some species of bedbugs have been found to survive even at temperatures below 0°F (-18°C). However, most bedbugs will die off after several days or weeks of extended exposure to such cold temps.
Will Freezing Bed Bugs Kill Them Off Completely?
Cold temperatures alone won’t necessarily kill bed bugs completely – some may stay active if the temperature isn’t low enough for very long. To ensure the complete elimination of bed bugs, it is best to combine lower temperatures with other methods such as vacuuming and insecticides.
At What Temperature Will Bed Bugs Freeze and Die?
Bed bugs typically enter a state of hibernation when exposed to colder, drier climates; however, depending on the species, there is a chance that some bed bugs will stay active at temperatures below freezing.
Some hardy varieties of bedbugs have been found to survive in temperatures as low as -13°F (-25°C). But while this is an impressive feat of survival, they will eventually succumb and die if their environment remains too cold for extended periods.
If you think that freezing temperature kills bed bugs and nothing else, you must remember that cold temperatures alone won’t kill all the bed bugs completely. Some may stay active depending on how long the temperature stays very low and you freeze them at the minimum exposure time.
To ensure the complete elimination of adult bed bugs in the home or office, it is best to combine the use of a lower lethal temperature with other methods such as vacuuming and insecticides. This way you can be sure that all traces of bed bugs in all life stages will be gone from your property for good.
