When the cold winter months arrive, many pests go into hiding, but one resilient invader remains active: the bed bug. Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs don’t hibernate or disappear when temperatures drop. In fact, they can continue to thrive indoors during the winter, especially in homes and businesses in Northern Ohio and Southeast Michigan. If you thought winter meant a break from worrying about bed bugs, think again. We review why winter bed bugs are still a problem in January and what you can do to protect your home.
Why Bed Bugs Remain Active in Winter
Unlike some pests that are more susceptible to the cold, bed bugs find the warmth and shelter they need indoors. Since they primarily live where humans sleep, they rely on the consistent temperature of our homes to survive, no matter the season.
Your home’s central heating system ensures that winter bed bugs stay comfortable all year round. Bed bugs don’t need the same outdoor conditions as many other pests, so the cold weather outside doesn’t affect their ability to breed and spread inside. What’s more, holiday travel and guests staying in your home during the winter can increase the chances of bringing bed bugs indoors, even if they weren’t there before.
How Bed Bugs Enter Your Home or Business
Bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers. They can easily enter your home or business by latching onto luggage, clothing, or furniture. Winter can be a particularly risky time for bringing bed bugs inside because of increased travel during the holidays and buying second hand items during seasonal sales. Whether you’ve recently stayed in a hotel, hosted out-of-town guests, or purchased used furniture, it’s important to be on the lookout for signs of winter bed bugs.
Signs of a Winter Bed Bug Infestation
Bed bugs are small, but they leave behind several telltale signs of their presence. Some of the most common signs include:
- Small, itchy red welts on your skin, often appearing in a line or cluster
- Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses from crushed bugs
- Tiny, dark spots, which could be bed bug excrement
- A musty odor in the affected area
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly before the infestation spreads.
How to Protect Your Home or Business from Winter Bed Bugs
The good news is that there are steps you can take to protect your home or business from winter bed bugs:
- Inspect Regularly: Keep an eye out for signs of bed bugs, especially in bedrooms, living areas, and throughout sitting areas or spaces with furniture.
- Check Second Hand Items: If you’re buying used furniture or clothing, thoroughly inspect each item before bringing it into your home or business.
- Clean and Declutter: Bed bugs love hiding in clutter, so keeping your home or business tidy and regularly vacuuming areas where they might hide can help reduce the risk.
- Be Cautious When Traveling: When staying in hotels or other people’s homes, inspect the sleeping area for bed bugs and avoid placing your luggage on the floor.
- Wash and Dry Bedding: Regularly washing your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water and drying them on high heat can help kill any bed bugs.
What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs
Despite your best efforts, sometimes winter bed bugs still make their way into your home or business. If you suspect an infestation, it’s crucial to act fast. Bed bugs reproduce quickly, and a small problem can turn into a major infestation in a matter of weeks. DIY treatments are often ineffective and can even make the problem worse by scattering the bugs to different areas of your space.
If you’re dealing with winter bed bugs, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Contact Delving Pest Control for professional, discreet bed bug control. Our team understands the stress of dealing with bed bugs, especially in the colder months. We offer safe, effective treatments that will eliminate bed bugs from your home or business and help you regain peace of mind. Reach out today for a free consultation and let us take care of your winter pest problems.