As the weather cools down in New York, many people look forward to crisp air, colorful leaves, and cozy nights indoors. Unfortunately, bed bugs don’t disappear just because the temperature drops. These tiny pests are experts at surviving indoors, no matter the season. Understanding how cooling temperatures affect bed bugs can help homeowners stay one step ahead—and keep their homes pest-free. With help from Positive Pest Management, you can learn how to protect your home all year long.
Bed Bugs and Temperature: What You Should Know
Bed bugs are tough little insects. They feed on blood, hide in cracks and crevices, and can survive in a wide range of temperatures. While most pests slow down or die off when it gets cold, bed bugs are different because they live inside, close to humans and heat sources.
In New York, where winters can be harsh, bed bugs find warmth in apartments, hotels, and homes. As long as the temperature stays above freezing indoors, they can continue to live, reproduce, and spread. That means even when it’s below zero outside, bed bugs can still thrive inside your cozy home.
How Cold Affects Bed Bug Activity
When temperatures begin to drop in the fall, bed bugs don’t migrate or go dormant like some insects. Instead, they adapt to their environment. In cooler indoor temperatures, their metabolism slows down. This means they may move more slowly and feed less often, but they don’t completely stop.
At around 45°F, bed bugs start to become sluggish. If exposed to temperatures below freezing for a long period—such as several days at 0°F—they can die. However, most New York homes are heated, making these conditions unlikely inside. Even vacant apartments or buildings retain some warmth, allowing bed bugs to survive for months without feeding.
In other words, cooling temperatures may slightly reduce their activity, but they won’t eliminate the problem.
Why Bed Bug Infestations Increase in Fall and Winter
It may be surprising, but bed bug infestations often increase in the colder months. There are a few reasons for this:
- More Time Indoors – As the weather cools, people spend more time inside, which means bed bugs have more opportunities to feed. They’re drawn to warmth, body heat, and carbon dioxide—things people provide naturally.
- Travel Season – The holiday season brings an increase in travel. Bed bugs easily hitchhike on luggage, coats, or bags. Hotels, public transportation, and even movie theaters can become hotspots for bed bug spread.
- Reduced Awareness – Many assume that cold weather kills pests, so they let their guard down. Unfortunately, this misconception allows infestations to grow unnoticed.
At Positive Pest Management, we often see a rise in calls during late fall and winter as people realize that bed bugs haven’t taken a seasonal break.
Where Bed Bugs Hide in Cold Weather
Bed bugs don’t just live in mattresses. As they search for warmth, they hide in places where humans spend the most time. Common hiding spots include:
- Bed frames, box springs, and headboards
- Sofas and recliners
- Baseboards, outlets, and wall cracks
- Luggage, clothing, and upholstered furniture
Because they are so small—about the size of an apple seed—they can easily go unnoticed. They also lay eggs in hidden areas, which can hatch weeks later and restart the infestation cycle.
During cooler months, bed bugs may also move deeper into furniture or walls to stay warm, making them harder to detect and eliminate without professional help.
Can Cold Be Used to Kill Bed Bugs?
Extreme cold can kill bed bugs, but only under the right conditions. Research shows that bed bugs die after being exposed to temperatures below 0°F for at least four days. While this might sound like a DIY solution, it’s not practical for most people.
Putting furniture or belongings outside in freezing weather may not stay cold enough long enough to kill all the bugs or their eggs. Additionally, bed bugs can insulate themselves by hiding in thick materials or deep crevices.
Professional pest control experts can use specialized freezing treatments that are much more reliable. These methods safely reach the temperatures needed to kill bed bugs without damaging your belongings.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs as Temperatures Drop
Prevention is always easier than treatment. Here are a few ways to protect your home this fall and winter:
- Inspect regularly. Check beds, furniture, and baseboards for signs of bed bugs, like small reddish-brown stains or shed skins.
- Be cautious when traveling. Inspect hotel beds, keep luggage off the floor, and wash clothes in hot water after returning home.
- Vacuum often. Regular cleaning helps remove stray bugs and eggs before they spread.
- Seal cracks and gaps. Bed bugs can move between apartments or rooms through small spaces.
- Avoid secondhand furniture. Used furniture can hide bed bugs—inspect carefully before bringing anything home.
By staying alert and practicing prevention, you can reduce your risk of dealing with a full-blown infestation.
The Bottom Line
As temperatures cool down in New York, bed bugs don’t go away—they just move closer to people and warmth. Even in the coldest months, they can survive indoors and continue to spread. That’s why it’s important to stay proactive all year long.
If you suspect a bed bug problem, don’t wait until it gets worse. Positive Pest Management offers expert inspections, safe treatments, and ongoing prevention plans to keep your home protected. No matter the season, having professional support ensures your home stays comfortable, healthy, and bed bug-free.
