What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed solely on the blood of people and animals while they sleep. They are reddish-brown in color, wingless, range from 1mm to 7mm, and can live several months without a blood meal. One question that often arises when dealing with bed bugs is whether they can survive in water. For more on bed bugs, check out our article HERE
Can Bed Bugs Swim?
Bed bugs cannot swim, but they can float on water due to their small size and low weight. They can remain on the surface of the water for some time, but they cannot paddle or move through the water. Bed bugs do not encounter water in their natural habitat, so they do not have any adaptations to help them swim. Remember, bed bugs originated in caves, so they never found the need to swim or breathe underwater.
Can Bed Bugs Drown?
Bed bugs have limited survivability in water. They can stay submerged for a lot longer than humans and other insects, but it’s only a matter of time until they drown. Interestingly enough, bed bugs hate water. It presents a persistent threat. Once they are submerged in the water, they will not be able to resurface.
Can Bed Bugs Survive in Water?
Bed bugs can survive in water, but their time is pretty limited, up to 24 hours, once water submerges them. They don’t drink water and they don’t need it in order to survive, but they do require fluids. They get fluids and food from the blood when they feed.
In summary, bed bugs can survive in water for a short period of time, but they cannot swim and will eventually drown. If you want to eradicate bed bugs, there are more effective methods than using water.
Bed Bugs and Water Temperature
Bed bugs are resilient pests that can survive in a wide range of temperatures. However, their survivability in water is dependent on the temperature of the water. Bugs, either on or below the surface, will not be able to survive in water at higher temperatures. As soon as their body temperature reaches 115 degrees Fahrenheit, bed bugs will die.
On the other hand, bed bugs can stay active in temperatures as low as 46 degrees Fahrenheit. However, these resilient pests can lower the freezing point of their body fluids, too. As a result, bed bugs can survive in near-freezing temperatures for several days.
Need more bed bug facts? Check out our article on bed bug characteristics.
If you want to eradicate bed bugs, you can use a combination of methods, such as steam, diatomaceous earth, detergent, bleach, alcohol, and more. However, none of these methods involve the use of water as a primary tool for extermination. A pest control company can also help you with bed bug infestations.
Essential oils can also play a role in assisting you in getting rid of bed bugs completely. I personally use peppermint, cedar wood, and others in bed bug treatments and it works well. We have provided plenty of information on essential oils and up to date recommendations.
Final Thoughts
Bed bugs can survive in water for a short period of time, but they cannot swim and will eventually drown if they are submerged. They also cannot feed underwater, so they will starve if they are unable to find a way out of the water. Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eradicate once they have infested an area, and water alone is not an effective method for eradication.
There are several methods for eradicating bed bugs, including heat treatment, chemical treatment, and vacuuming. Heat treatment involves using high temperatures to kill bed bugs and their eggs, while chemical treatment involves using pesticides to kill bed bugs. Vacuuming can be used to physically remove bed bugs and their eggs from an area.
It is important to note that bed bugs are resilient pests and can survive in a variety of conditions. They can survive for several days in near-freezing temperatures and can lower the freezing point of their body fluids. They are also resistant to many pesticides and can develop resistance to others over time.
If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation, it is best to contact a pest control professional for assistance. They can help you identify the extent of the infestation and recommend the most effective treatment options based on your specific situation.
If you’re a hands on person, then we are here to guide you through the process. Start with our article on how to inspect your home for bed bugs.
In conclusion, while water can be used to kill bed bugs, it is not an effective method for eradicating an infestation. It is important to use a combination of methods, including heat treatment, chemical treatment, and vacuuming, to effectively eradicate bed bugs and prevent future infestations.
Q&A
Q: How can I effectively kill bed bugs and their eggs using a washing machine and dryer?
A: An effective way to kill bed bugs and their bed bug’s eggs is by using a washer and dryer. Washing your linen or clothing on a hot cycle, then drying them on the highest heat setting can kill all bed bugs and bed bug’s eggs. Remember to put your stuff into a plastic bag before and after washing to prevent bed bugs from climbing and spreading to other areas.
Q: How long can bed bugs live in clothes without feeding?
A: Bed bugs can live a long time without a meal. In a moderated temperature, bed bugs may survive without feeding for up to several months. Wash and dry your clothes at high heat to kill these pests and their eggs.
Q: How to get rid of bed bugs infesting my mattress?
A: An effective approach to get rid of bed bugs infesting a mattress is through a comprehensive bed bug treatment involving thorough cleaning, vacuuming, and using bed bug interceptors. A pest management service can be very helpful in ensuring all bugs and their eggs are killed.
Q: Can bed bugs die if placed in water?
A: Bed bugs don’t drown in water immediately but they can’t survive being submerged in water for a long time. However, this is not a practical or effective way to get rid of bed bugs since there may be many bugs hidden in places where the water can’t reach.
Q: How to prevent bed bugs in clothes?
A: Wash and dry your clothes at high heat since this can kill bed bugs and their eggs. Also, store your clothes in sealed plastic bags to keep bed bugs from hiding in them. Lastly, proactive pest management can also help prevent an infestation.
Q: How long can bed bugs survive without a host to feed on?
A: Bed bugs can surprisingly live a long time without feeding; they can survive for many months. They are resilient and have a strong ability to survive in harsh conditions.
Q: How can I kill bed bugs with water?
A: Simply placing bed bugs in water will not kill them immediately as they have a waxy skin that acts as a protective layer. However, a washing machine and dryer can be an effective method to kill bed bugs and their eggs due to the high temperature of the water and the heat from the dryer.
Q: Can bed bug eggs survive in a dryer?
A: A dryer can indeed kill both adult bed bugs and their eggs. The heat from the dryer is usually enough to kill all stages of life. Use the highest heat setting and dry your items for at least 30 minutes.
Q: How long can bed bugs and their eggs live outside of bedding materials?
A: Bed bugs and their eggs can live for several months. They can survive both in bedding materials and in different kinds of spaces where the bugs can hide, like furniture cracks and carpet fibres. Check out our article Where do bed bugs like to hide for more info.
Q: What does it mean when a bed bug is floating in water?
A: Bed bugs floating in water just means that they have a buoyant exoskeleton that enables them to float, rather than indicating they are dead. Simply being placed in water is not an effective method to kill bed bugs.
