Bed bugs don t truly hibernate in the same sense of the word that many other critters do by overwintering in response to seasons of cold temperatures.
Bed bugs in winter months.
Bed bugs can t live in extreme temperatures.
When you think about this question for a moment it does seem reasonable that bed bugs do not hibernate since they usually live in a structure with consistent room temperatures.
It s cold outside but you re nice and warm inside and not worried about bugs in the winter months.
Bed bugs do not survive extreme temperatures.
While bed bugs can be less active in the winter they can still survive as long as they have food to eat.
Freezing temperatures under 32 degrees will kill them but so will temperatures over 120.
They can survive for several reasons.
Posted on february 3 2017.
But winter can extend the lives of bed bugs.
Additionally studies have shown that bed bugs have a preference for certain colors over others particularly red and black.
Typically bed bugs are found in furniture items that are indoors in heated environments so they are not deterred by freezing temperatures.
Even bed bugs don t disappear during the cold season.
Important facts about bed bugs in winter.
With their human hosts posting up in a climate controlled environment for the winter months bed bugs have extended access to a delicious blood meal.
However bed bugs have just as much opportunity to feed during winter as we tend to stay indoors in the warmth more.
Often during the winter months people don t think the rash or marks on their skin are the results of bed bug bites as it s often thought that they are more of a summer pest.
Like fattened relatives around the holiday season bed bugs are a little slower in winter but all too happy to hang around the house.
The effect that temperature has on bed bug development is one reason why bed bugs multiply faster and bed bug problems increase in summer months other reasons are summer increase in human activity and travel.
Unlike mammals who hibernate in the winter bed bugs will remain active as long as there is a food source.
Bed bugs in the fall and winter months.
It has been scientifically proven that only a temperature of about 16 celsius and below can kill bed bugs and their eggs.
First of all mildly cold temperature does not kill bed bugs and their eggs.
Bed bugs do have an upper temperature range though.
However pest control is just as important in the colder months than it is in the summer months.
Bed bugs can t survive extreme temperatures.