Can Bed Bugs Survive in the Winter?
You might think that cold weather would naturally wipe out bed bugs. After all, don’t most critters either hibernate or die off in the winter? Unfortunately, bed bugs aren’t like most critters. If you're dealing with an infestation, you're probably wondering: Do bed bugs go away in winter? The short answer is no. They might slow down, but they don’t disappear.
While some pests die off or go dormant when it gets cold, bed bugs are built to stick around. Thanks to indoor heating and their ability to hide in tight spaces, they can survive comfortably through the winter. That means if you’ve noticed bites or signs of bed bugs in colder months, the problem isn’t going away on its own.
In this article, we’ll walk through what happens to bed bugs in the winter months, whether they hibernate, and what you can do to get rid of them for good.
Key takeaways:
- Bed bugs don’t go away in winter; they slow down, but they don’t die off or disappear just because it’s cold outside.
- They enter a state called diapause, which helps them survive low activity periods without feeding, but it doesn’t eliminate them.
- Freezing temperatures can kill bed bugs, but only if conditions are extreme (below 0°F for several days) and sustained, something most homes can’t achieve.
- Professional heat treatments and pest control are the most reliable ways to get rid of bed bugs, even during the winter months.
Do bed bugs hibernate in cold weather?
A lot of pests go into hibernation or something like it when the temperatures drop. Bed bugs? Not quite.
Instead of true hibernation, bed bugs enter a state called diapause, a temporary suspension of development when conditions aren’t ideal. During diapause, they’ll hide deeper in crevices, cracks, and seams in furniture, walls, or flooring. They slow down their metabolism and wait things out. But don’t get too hopeful, diapause doesn't kill bed bugs, and as soon as it warms up or they sense a potential blood meal, they’ll start moving again.
Can cold temperatures kill bed bugs?
Yes, but only under the right conditions. Freezing temperatures can kill bed bugs, but it’s not as simple as opening a few windows and letting the cold in.
To effectively kill bed bugs using cold, they need to be exposed to temperatures below 0°F for at least four days. That’s tough to achieve without a professional setup, especially in South Florida, where winter isn't exactly arctic. Just because your home gets chilly doesn’t mean it’s cold enough to get rid of a bed bug infestation.
And if you’re thinking about tossing infested items like clothes or bedding into the garage during a cold snap, keep in mind that insulation can prevent those items from reaching the right temperature to be effective.
Why bed bugs are still a problem in winter
Even though bed bugs slow down in the winter months, they survive just fine. That’s because they live inside your home, not outside. Central heating, electric blankets, and even body heat help them stay comfortable year-round.
They’re also excellent hitchhikers. So while you're traveling for the holidays or staying in a hotel room, they can climb into your suitcase and catch a ride home. Once inside, they’ll find a cozy spot, like box springs, headboards, or baseboards, and settle in.
How to get rid of bed bugs in winter
1. Don’t rely on the weather
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: cold weather won’t solve a bed bug problem on its own. Instead, focus on proven bed bug treatment methods.
2. Heat treatment works, even in winter
One of the most effective methods to get rid of bed bugs is using high heat. Heat treatment involves raising the temperature in the affected area to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to eliminate bed bugs at all life stages, from nymphs to adult bed bugs.
3. Wash and dry infested items
If you suspect that your clothes, linens, or other fabrics are infested, wash them in hot water and dry on the highest setting. The heat from your dryer can reach levels that kill bed bugs, especially when drying for at least 30 minutes.
4. Call a pest control professional
If the problem is beyond a few bug bites or you’ve seen signs around your bed frames, furniture, or box springs, it’s time to call in help. A pest control company with experience in bed bug control can assess the extent of the infestation and apply targeted solutions.
Our pest control experts at Native Pest Management have helped countless South Florida homeowners with year-round bed bug problems. We know where they hide, how fast bed bugs spread, and the best way to stop them.
DIY methods: What works and what doesn’t
There are plenty of DIY tricks online for bed bugs. Some work, but many fall short. Vacuuming, bleach, mattress encasements, baking soda, and steam can help, but they often miss bugs hiding in deep crevices.
Using natural deterrents like essential oils might offer temporary relief, but they won’t eliminate the root of a bed bug infestation. And since bed bug bites are often your first clue that they’re around, waiting to act can make the infestation worse.
Don’t wait for spring
If you’re dealing with bed bugs during the cold weather, you’re not alone. They don’t disappear, and they’re not going to freeze to death in your living room. Your best bet is to take action.
Whether you're spotting signs of a bed bug infestation or just want peace of mind, now’s the time to deal with it. The sooner you act, the easier it is to contain the issue.
Need help now?
Winter or not, bed bugs don’t take a break. If you’re tired of wondering whether that itch is a bug bite or if you’ve seen one crawling near your headboard, let us help. At Native Pest Management, we’re here to handle your bed bug problem with smart, effective, and discreet pest control services.
Get in touch today for a professional inspection and a plan that works, winter or not.