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?
Researchers at The University of Minnesota conducted tests where they froze bed bugs and discovered that bed bugs can survive in short-term exposure to temperatures as low as -13ºF. In order to eliminate their bugs and viable eggs, they need to be exposed to -3.2ºF for 80 hours. Being that your mattress or couch can’t be tossed into the deep freezer, freezing out bed bugs isn’t a practical solution in most cases. Though bed bugs may be more active in warmer summer months as they search for food, you’re going to have to deal with them in the winters as well. Bed bugs are kept warm and comfortable inside our homes since that’s what homeowners prefer.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs when Traveling
With all of the traveling we do these days, bed bugs have made the trek from state to state and continent to continent, unfortunately. Before and after each trip in order to be sure you do not pick up any stowaways, it is a good habit to wash your clothes after returning from traveling and to check your luggage, especially if it’s fabric. Additionally, before any second hand furniture including anything from antiques, estate sales, and those bargains at the secondhand shop, is brought inside, be sure to take the time to inspect it thoroughly. Ensure these pieces are checked carefully, and they are not infested 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 dots made from a tip of marker that are bed bug’s droppings indicate they are present.
How to Get Rid of Bed bugs
In the event you find them in your home, getting rid of bed bugs can be a timely and costly process. Hire a professional that specializes in bed bug control when you have bed bugs that need to be eliminated, as it is a very challenging job without the tools or expertise. Professionals will first conduct bed bug investigations to confirm a bed bug infestation and to find the areas the bed bugs are inhabiting. Once an infestation has been confirmed, the next step is to eliminate the bugs and their eggs. Ongoing treatments are essentials to make certain the bed bug infestation does not return.
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.