It’s known that many pests will die off, go into hibernation, or look for a warmer home during the wintertime. When thinking of the worst pest infestations, like bed bugs, you’d hope they would do the same. But do they? Let’s explore this interesting way to get rid of bed bugs.
How Does the Cold Affect Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are a scary pest to have in or around your home because winter temperatures don’t pose that big of a threat to their existence. Temperatures must fall below 0° F for extended periods of time to slow these bloodsuckers down.
Unfortunately, since homes are heated during winter, a bed bug will thrive (like any other time of the year) once inside your home. Jack Frost and Old Man Winter can’t help you naturally prevent these pests.
Can Extreme Cold Stop Bed Bugs?
Just because the average winter temperatures won’t kill off any bed bugs, that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Luckily, extended temperatures of 0° F can do the job.
So what’s the magic number?
80 hours. Placing bed bugs in a constant temperature of 0° F for roughly 80 straight hours will kill them (no matter if they’re an adult, nymph, or egg).
How to Use the Cold to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Your Home
Using CO2
Now that we know the cold can kill bed bugs, it’s time to use it to your advantage. Your local pest management company will use a pressurized carbon dioxide that can dispense temperatures of roughly – 86° F. This is a green pest control method that is effective in properly killing concentrated infestations of bed bugs — but this will be death on contact!
Using Your Freezer
While your local pest management company is taking care of the infestation in your home, you want to make sure your belongings are no longer infested. Instead of shooting them with freezing CO2, lower your freezer to 0° F.
Place any infested items in sealed plastic bags and stick them in the freezer for a little more than three full days. This should kill any bed bugs infesting your personal belongings without damaging them.
Need a little extra help to get rid of bed bugs from your home? Pest Control Unlimited can help! Our bed bug control services help to identify and eliminate the problem completely. Contact us for more information or call us at (888) 649-9919 for a quote.
