Do Bed Bugs Hibernate in Winter or Can Cold Temperatures Kill Bed Bug Infestations in Hammonton, NJ?

Many are noticing the lesser pests where everyone can feel the cooler weather. However, there are some pests that remain active all year long. Unlike mammals, who hibernate in the winter, bed bugs remain active as long as there is a food source. Bed bugs are kept warm in heated environments and unfortunately bed bugs are found mostly indoors, especially in well-insulated furniture. Bed bugs continue to be active in winter and we at Ross Environmental Solutions would like to delve further into this year round pest problem.

What Cold Temperature Kills Bed Bugs?

Researchersat The University of Minnesota conducted tests where they froze bed bugs anddiscovered that bed bugs can survive in short-term exposure to temperatures aslow as -13ºF.  In order to eliminatetheir bugs and viable eggs, they need to be exposed to -3.2ºF for 80hours.  Being that your mattress or couchcan’t be tossed into the deep freezer, freezing out bed bugs isn’t a practicalsolution in most cases.  Though bed bugsmay be more active in warmer summer months as they search for food, you’regoing to have to deal with them in the winters as well.  Bed bugs are kept warm and comfortable insideour homes since that’s what homeowners prefer.

Howto Prevent Bed Bugs when Traveling 

Withall of the traveling we do these days, bed bugs have made the trek from stateto state and continent to continent, unfortunately.  Before and after each trip in order to be sureyou do not pick up any stowaways, it is a good habit to wash your clothes afterreturning from traveling and to check your luggage, especially if it’s fabric.   Additionally, before any second handfurniture including anything from antiques, estate sales, and those bargains atthe secondhand shop, is brought inside, be sure to take the time to inspect itthoroughly. Ensure these pieces are checked carefully, and they are notinfested where you do not have to avoid these purchases.  Since they are no bigger than an apple seed,be detailed in your inspection as bed bugs are exceptionally small.   Looking like tiny reddish-rust colored dotsmade from a tip of marker that are bed bug’s droppings indicate they arepresent.

How to Get Rid of Bed bugs

Inthe event you find them in your home, getting rid of bed bugs can be a timelyand costly process.  Hire a professionalthat specializes in bed bug control when you have bed bugs that need to beeliminated, as it is a very challenging job without the tools or expertise. Professionalswill first conduct bed bug investigations to confirm a bed bug infestation andto find the areas the bed bugs are inhabiting. Once an infestation has been confirmed, the next step is to eliminatethe bugs and their eggs.  Ongoingtreatments are essentials to make certain the bed bug infestation does notreturn. 

Bed Bug Inspections & Treatment

For your bed bug inspection and exterminating services, call Ross Environmental Solutions and let our certified specialists inspect your home for a possible bed bug infestation and eliminate any confirmed bed bugs in your home.