Are bed bugs worse in summer or winter?

Bed bugs are present year-round, but some seasons can make infestations grow faster or spread more easily.  While they can be active all year, they're more of a problem in the warmer months. Higher temperatures can speed up their life cycle, making it easier for infestations to grow quickly. Plus, people tend to travel more in summer, which increases the chance of picking up bed bugs and bringing them home.

During winter, bed bugs don't disappear, but their activity may slow down slightly in cooler indoor spaces. However, central heating keeps most homes warm enough for them to survive and continue feeding. Whether it's summer or winter, if your home becomes infested, it's important to act fast. Learn more about the types of bed bug treatment we offer.

Can bed bugs live outside in the summer?

Bed bugs can live outside in the summer, but not for long. While warmer temperatures allow them to survive outdoors briefly, they’re not well adapted to life outside. Bed bugs prefer stable, indoor environments close to food sources: people.

If bed bugs are found outside, it’s often because infested items were thrown away or moved. But once exposed to outdoor elements like sun, rain, or fluctuating heat, their chances of long-term survival drop quickly.

How temperature affects bed bug activity

Temperature plays a big role in how fast bed bugs grow and move. In warmer months, especially indoors, they can feed more often and reproduce faster. A full life cycle, from egg to adult, can take as little as three weeks during the summer.

Cold slows them down, but doesn’t stop them. Most properties remain warm enough in winter for bed bugs to stay active. So even if you're not seeing them as often, that doesn’t mean the infestation is gone. 

 Do bed bugs die in the winter?

In short: not usually. While extreme cold can kill bed bugs, indoor environments rarely get cold enough to affect them. A temperature below freezing can be deadly for bed bugs, but only if it's sustained for several days. Most heated homes stay well above that. So winter doesn't protect you from a bed bug problem.

If you think you've spotted signs of an infestation, it's best to take action and explore the types of bed bug treatment available from Presto-X.

Preventing bed bugs during travel in summer and winter

No matter the season, travel is one of the main ways people bring bed bugs home. During summer, trips to hotels or other vacation accommodation can expose you to higher risk. In winter, holiday travel and visits to family or friends can carry the same threat.

To help avoid bed bugs:

• Always check beds and furniture for small dark spots or live bugs
• Keep your luggage off the floor and away from sleeping areas
• Dry clothes on high heat after a trip

Bed bug control services from Presto-X

Whether you're dealing with a new issue or a recurring bed bug problem, our technicians can help identify and treat bed bugs at your property. Learn more about the types of bed bug treatment we offer and how we help businesses across the region.

Frequently asked questions