Can Bed Bugs Freeze to Death in Winter?
WouterBed bugs are tolerant to cold temperatures. They can survive at 46 degrees Fahrenheit and can stay active for several days. Their ability to tolerate cold temperatures is a result of their ability to lower the freezing point of their body fluids. The cold temperatures of winter do not kill the bugs, but they do eventually die.
While freezing is effective for a limited amount of bedbugs, it is not a good solution for entire-house treatment. It can cause structural damage and burst pipes. For that reason, freezing bed bugs is best done by a professional. This requires special equipment and training. In addition, freezing bed bugs will not kill them immediately.
Bed bugs have developed a strategy to combat cold by lowering the freezing point of their body fluids. This strategy works for them because they don’t like to migrate outside. This means that they won’t migrate from their home to escape the cold. They can survive temperatures ranging from -6 degrees Fahrenheit to -22 degrees Fahrenheit. This strategy is called freeze-intolerant or supercooling.
Freezing your home is not a good way to eliminate bed bugs because the bugs will seek warmth indoors. In addition, freezing is an ineffective way to get rid of bedbugs because freezing will cause damage to your home. Even if you do manage to freeze out your home, it is not a good idea to leave infested items outside.
