How Long Do Bed Bugs Survive in the Cold?
WouterIf you’re a homeowner wondering “how long do bed bugs survive in the cold?” you should know that freezing them outside is not effective at killing them. The temperature needs to be below zero degrees Fahrenheit for at least 80 hours before they die. Even then, they’ll only survive for a few days.
The average winter temperature in Alaska is -32 degrees Fahrenheit. This is much colder than most of the U.S., but it’s not unusual for areas of the northern U.S. The temperature is exacerbated by the windchill, which makes the temperature feel even colder. Even so, bed bugs can survive if they’re able to hide in their hiding places.
Bed bugs do not migrate to warmer temperatures. They enter a state called diapause, which is a form of partial hibernation. This allows them to stay alive and unfrozen at temperatures between 61 and 22 degrees Fahrenheit. While they won’t migrate, they’ll remain in this state until temperatures rise. However, extreme cold can kill them.
If your house is exposed to cold temperatures, bed bugs will stay active but their numbers will be much lower than during the warmer months. This is due to the fact that they are more likely to stay in one place, rather than hitchhiking with you.
