Climate change is impacting every corner of our planet, from rising sea levels to changing weather patterns. But there’s one shift that might be happening closer to home—and even in your home—that many don’t think about: The impact of warming temperatures on pests like bed bugs. These resilient creatures have been around for thousands of years, but their presence seems to be on the rise. Could climate change be making infestations worse? And more importantly, how do you get rid of bed bugs effectively today? Products like Sterifab spray are stepping in to help, but the question remains: Are bed bugs benefiting from the heat?
Hotter Days, More Bed Bugs?
The link between rising temperatures and bed bug populations is a hot topic (pun intended). Warmer temperatures create the perfect environment for faster reproduction. Bed bugs thrive in conditions between 70°F and 90°F, and when the temperature hits that sweet spot, their reproductive cycles speed up. In fact, baby bed bugs—known as nymphs—hatch faster, grow quicker, and reach maturity earlier in warmer climates. This leads to an explosion in the population.
But it’s not just the heat indoors. Climate change may be pushing bed bugs into new areas where they weren’t common before. As temperatures rise, the bugs are adapting, finding new hiding spots, and becoming harder to avoid.
Are Bug Bombs the Answer?
If you’re seeing more bed bugs or worrying about them, you might be tempted to grab the first bug bomb you see. But do bug bombs kill bed bugs? The short answer is no—not effectively. Bug bombs can make things worse by scattering bed bugs to other areas of the home, allowing them to avoid the pesticide entirely. Bed bugs are experts at hiding in cracks, crevices, and other hard-to-reach spots, making direct treatment a better option.
Instead, more focused treatments like professional extermination or specialized sprays like Sterifab are far more effective at getting into the places where bed bugs hide.
Where Are They Hiding?
Most people know that bed bugs typically hide in beds, mattresses, and furniture, but they can be even sneakier. So where do bed bugs hide when rising temperatures push them into cooler, quieter areas? You might find them tucked inside electrical outlets, behind picture frames, or even in the folds of curtains.
If you're dealing with an infestation and think you've covered every base, don't overlook these surprising spots. The key to getting rid of bed bugs is treating all the places they could be hiding—otherwise, the infestation may persist despite your best efforts.
Scabies or Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs aren’t the only pests whose numbers are on the rise. Scabies, a skin condition caused by mites, can also increase during warmer months. But here’s the tricky part: many people have a hard time figuring out whether they have scabies or bed bugs, as the symptoms of both can look similar. Both can cause red, itchy bumps on the skin.
The difference, though, lies in the bites. Bed bugs tend to bite in clusters or lines, while scabies burrow into the skin and create small red tunnels or tracks. For someone waking up with bites but seeing no signs of bed bugs, it’s easy to get confused. If you’re scratching your head—literally—it might be time to seek professional help to identify the cause.
Need more help deciphering the culprit? Check out Bed Bugs v. Scabies - 5 Simple Ways to Tell The Difference for the low-down.
No Signs of Bed Bugs, But I Have Bites
One of the most frustrating aspects of bed bugs is their ability to stay hidden, even when they’re actively feeding on you. You might wake up with bites, convinced you’re dealing with an infestation, but see no signs of bed bugs anywhere. So, what’s going on?
Bed bugs are notoriously good at hiding. They feed at night and retreat into the smallest cracks during the day, which is why bites are sometimes the only clue you’ll have. Their bites often appear on exposed skin, typically the arms, legs, and neck. If you're not seeing physical signs like shed skins, droppings, or actual bugs, but you’re waking up with red welts, it's time to grab your Sterifab or call in an expert.
Getting Rid of Bed Bugs: What Works?
Bed bug control isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible either. First, educate yourself on the dos and don’ts of getting rid of bed bugs. Not all DIY methods work—most don’t—and some can even make the problem worse. A combination of approaches is often the best solution.
Professionals often employ a combination of heat treatments and chemical sprays, with Sterifab being a top choice for exterminators. Its effectiveness and ease of use make it a staple in the industry. As the only EPA-registered product that kills all stages of bed bugs and disinfects, Sterifab dries quickly and leaves no lingering odor or residue, making it ideal for swift interventions.
For those tackling infestations on their own, applying Sterifab directly to areas where bed bugs hide can significantly reduce their numbers. It’s effective on mattresses, carpets, and furniture. Additionally, it's important to complement Sterifab with regular cleaning, vacuuming, washing linens in hot water, and sealing any cracks or crevices. A residual product may be in order, too.
As climate change reshapes our environment, it’s important to stay one step ahead in the battle against home invaders- the tiny kind. Whether you’re figuring out how to get rid of bed bugs or looking for effective treatments, knowledge is your best weapon.
If you suspect an infestation, arm yourself with Sterifab as your first line of defense. And if the situation proves too difficult to handle alone, don’t hesitate to call in the pros—after all, when the heat is on, it pays to have expert allies in your corner.
Beat the heat with Sterifab. Try a bottle.
