Can You Kill Bed Bugs By Freezing Them

Yes, freezing temperatures can kill bed bugs. All life stages-from eggs to adult insects-are vulnerable to temperatures below 32°F (0°C). A study by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences found that exposing bed bug eggs to -20°F (-29°C) for two days kills 100%.

Adult bed bugs don't instantly die from extreme cold, but they are dramatically impacted. The pests cannot survive in subzero environments as they can in their native habitats because the cold environment stresses their system and increases mortality rate over time. Continuous or periodic exposure to -10°F (-23°C) reduces the chance of survival or reproduction.

It's possible for some survivors to escape a cold environment or remain hidden between tight crevasses on mattresses and box springs where they may have been living previously. To prevent or contain infestation, take proactive steps like vacuuming/cleaning your mattress regularly as well as heat treating and/or steam cleaning, sealing up bedroom furniture cracks and crevices, and replacing mattresses if necessary. This eliminates breeding grounds at once!