Out in the cold: bed bug survival profile at extremely low temperatures

A recent resurgence in bed bug populations across the U.S. has initiated significant research aimed at controlling this insect pest. Both heat and sub-freezing temperatures have been explored as a means to avoid disposal of heavily infested items and to control insecticide resistant populations of bed bugs. Recent data has shown that temperatures held for one hour below 16 degrees celcius were required to kill adult bed bugs. However, it's not clear whether this lethal temperature applies to all life stages or whether bed bugs are capable of adapting to cold temperatures over time. The present study provides the lower lethal temperature profile of bed bugs and includes data on the super cooling point, lower lethal temperature, and lower lethal time for multiple stages of bed bugs including eggs.