Bed bugs, despite their preference for warm environments, demonstrate a surprising resilience to lower temperatures. While their activity levels significantly decrease in the cold, they can enter a state of dormancy, effectively pausing their life cycle until more favorable conditions return. For example, while unlikely to thrive, they can survive for a short period even in freezing temperatures.
Understanding the relationship between temperature and bed bug survival is crucial for effective pest management. This knowledge informs appropriate treatment strategies, as certain methods are more effective at different temperature ranges. Historically, people utilized cold weather to their advantage, airing out bedding and furniture in freezing temperatures to control infestations. This traditional practice highlights the long-standing recognition of cold’s impact on these pests.