One thing many people look forward to in winter is the decrease in bug activity. While the cold temperatures cause some pests to become inactive, not all bugs will disappear. Unfortunately, bed bugs can still be problematic in winter. Check out what you can expect from these pests in winter and how to prevent and get rid of an infestation.
Bed Bug Activity in Winter
Bed bugs are active in winter, and they can continue to spread. The increase in travel during winter months can also lead to more bed bug problems. Unlike other bugs, bed bugs are an indoor pest. This means their environment and temperature are controlled, helping them to remain active. If they are exposed to a cold environment, they can enter diapause, which is a dormant state where development is paused. However, this rarely happens because they aren’t exposed to these unsuitable conditions.
How Do Bed Bugs Spread?
Bed bugs can be found anywhere their hosts—people—are found. Since they are tiny and flat, it makes it easy for them to hide on you or your belongings. These pests are known for hiding in bags, clothes, bedding, and furniture. When you visit a place with bed bugs, they can crawl onto your things and be carried home with you. Bed bugs can also move between adjacent rooms, allowing them to spread. Exposure to bed bugs is most likely to occur in homes, apartments, dorm rooms, hotels, office buildings, and public transportation.
Tips to Prevent Bed Bugs
Bed bugs can be introduced to homes in several ways, but thankfully, there are things you can do to keep them from taking over your space. We’ve made a list of tips to help you prevent a bed bug infestation.
- Check for Bed Bugs: Checking for bed bugs is the best thing you can do to avoid an infestation. When you first enter your hotel room, examine areas where bed bugs are likely to hide. You’ll want to pay special attention to the mattress. If you notice bed bugs or their signs, alert a manager and move to a room that isn’t adjacent to the infested room.
- Don’t Place Your Items on the Bed: Whether you are staying at a hotel or visiting family, you’ll want to avoid placing your bag, clothes, and other items on the bed. This can help to keep bed bugs from crawling onto your things.
- Wash Your Clothes: When you get home, you’ll want to head straight to the laundry room. Wash all of your clothes to help kill any bed bugs that are present. High heat settings are needed to kill bed bugs. If possible, wash your travel bag or vacuum your suitcase.
- Remove Clutter: Bed bugs like to have places to hide, and clutter can provide them with shelter. Keep your space organized, and avoid leaving items on the floor to minimize hiding spots. Vacuuming regularly can also help to remove bed bugs and their eggs.
- Check Furniture: Before bringing a new or secondhand piece of furniture home, check it for bed bugs. These pests are known for hiding in cracks and crevices found on furniture.
- Seal Cracks & Holes: Sealing cracks or holes in walls can help to prevent bed bugs from traveling to different rooms in your house. Keeping the problem contained will make it easier to eliminate an infestation.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
If bed bugs have invaded your home, insecticide dusts and sprays can help get them to leave. Our Bed Bug Killer dust provides fast control of bed bugs. It can be applied to mattresses, bed frames, and furniture. You’ll want to apply the dust into cracks and crevices where bed bugs typically hide. Our Bed Bug & Flea Killer kills bed bugs and fleas too. You will want to spot treat areas where you see bed bugs or their signs, including folds, tufts, seams, and edging on mattresses.
Having bed bugs as your roommates isn’t an ideal situation. Since these pests can be active year-round, it’s important to take steps to prevent an infestation. If you’re dealing with a bed bug problem, we want to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.