Low temperatures can be lethal to bed bugs, but the effectiveness depends on the duration and intensity of the cold. While brief exposure to cool air might not be sufficient, sustained freezing temperatures can eliminate these pests. For example, leaving items infested with bed bugs in a freezer at 0F (-18C) for several days is a common control method.
Understanding the impact of temperature on bed bugs is crucial for integrated pest management. This knowledge can inform preventative measures, like airing out bedding in winter, as well as targeted treatments, such as using heat or freezing to eliminate infestations. Historically, people have utilized natural temperature fluctuations to control household pests, highlighting the long-standing recognition of this principle.
