Content Updated: September 26, 2025

Bed bugs are infamously hardy pests. Learn more about the temperatures that can affect these parasites.

Key takeaways

  • Bed bugs, despite preferring warmer climates, have surprisingly high cold tolerances. They can survive as low as 46° F.
  • Short exposure to extreme cold is survivable for bed bugs, but extended exposure will still freeze them to death.
  • Though freezing has potential as a treatment method, it can be somewhat inaccessible for a layperson.
  • Professional pest control services have their own methods when it comes to using the cold to kill bed bugs, which is why if you’re dealing with a serious bed bug problem, it’s best to get expert help.

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Bed bugs are on the rise in the United States. As nice as it would be to follow the old bedtime adage, “don’t let the bed bugs bite,” it’s unfortunately not quite so simple. These irritating pests are surprisingly hardy and can even survive in extreme conditions—up to and including freezing temperatures.

Can bed bugs live in the cold?

Yes, they can. Bed bugs have a high cold tolerance, and, though they prefer warmer climates, remain active at temperatures as low as 46° F. Research published in the Journal of Economic Entomology found that some bed bugs could survive temperatures as cold as -13° F, thanks to their ability to lower the freezing point of their bodily fluids.

However, this doesn’t mean that they’re completely immune to the cold. If bed bugs are exposed to extreme cold (below 0° F) for several days, they will die.

bed bug on a sheet

Can bed bugs freeze?

Yes. Studies have found that bed bugs freeze based on a function of time and temperature. The lower the temperature, the shorter the time needed to freeze a bed bug.

For example, when exposed to 3.2° F for 80 hours, bed bugs will freeze. On the other hand, at 32° F, freezing could take weeks. At -30° F it would only take a few minutes.

Does cold kill bed bugs?

Yes. Despite their tolerances, cold can and will eventually kill bed bugs. However, if you’re considering using the cold as a treatment method, be aware that you’ll need to use a very low temperature for at least four days. Even your freezer may not be cold enough.

Here are some things you should keep in mind when freezing bed bugs:

  • Ensure the center of the infested item is frozen. It must reach 0° F or lower.
  • Use a remote thermometer. Be sure that the temperature is correct for killing bed bugs.
  • Be sure to count the four days required. As soon as the center of the infested item reaches 0° F, you can begin counting down the days.

Is freezing the best way to get rid of bed bugs?

Many professionals freeze bed bugs effectively, but not in the way you might think. They use specialized equipment that generates tiny particles of "snow" from carbon dioxide, the same material that puts the "fizz" in soft drinks.

For bed bugs, these tiny ice crystals are deadly. For humans, the "snow" leaves no harmful residue on clothing, bedding or other sensitive items, so thorough treatment can be performed without worry. Contact Terminix today and ask about our specialized cold treatment. Our method puts bed bugs on ice.