When is Peak Season for Bed Bugs in California?

Bed bugs are indeed sneaky. They go to great lengths to avoid being noticed, which makes them nearly impossible to eliminate when they get a foothold. In recent years, there have been several reports of bed bugs or evidence of infestation in areas where they are not typically seen. The peak season for bed bug sightings varies by geographic location and can vary from year to year.

If you live in California or have ever visited there, you might have heard of bed bugs. They are a common nuisance and can be destructive if not dealt with properly. However, did you know there are specific periods when bed bugs are more likely to invade your home? Here is what we found out:

The bed bug season in California.

Bed bugs are opportunistic pests. They will feed on any human, animal, or insect they find. 

The peak season for bed bugs in California occurs year-round. Still, it can vary depending on the region and the outbreak’s severity. The following are some general guidelines:

• California’s Central Valley usually experiences a bed bug infestation during late spring through early fall. It means that people who live in this area will have to deal with an infestation year-round. Much more during these months.
• Southern California has peak bed bug season from May through October when temperatures are warmer than usual, and there are more days with high humidity.

Peak seasons differ from year to year. Climate change is thought to be responsible for shifting bed bug seasons earlier and later each year, according to a study by scientists at the University of California-Davis and Oregon State University.

Why Are Bed Bugs So Prevalent During Winter?

Bed bugs are an insect that can survive in a range of temperatures, but they prefer it to be around 70 degrees. They’re cold-blooded and will die if exposed to too much heat or cold.

Bed bugs like the warmth of your home because it gives them the ideal temperature for survival and reproduction. Suppose you live in an area where winters are frigid for long periods. In that case, this could mean more opportunities for bed bugs throughout winter than at other times.

Bed bugs cannot handle cold weather, so they hibernate during winter.

Bed bugs are a year-round problem. In most cases, they hibernate during winter and come out when the weather warms up again. However, you may see bed bugs in your home or office during the summertime. In that case, chances are good that they are not native Californians and were brought in by someone who travels frequently.

Bedbugs can’t handle cold weather very well; their bodies will freeze if exposed to temperatures under 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius). However, they also like it warm: above 80 degrees F (27 C) is ideal for bed bug survival.

How to Avoid a Bed Bug Infestation in the Winter

It involves using a high-powered fan and heater that blows hot air into your mattress and box spring, killing any bed bugs inside. Before this process occurs, you must remove all bedding in the room so they don’t get damaged by exposure to high temperatures. 

To ensure the process is right, consult with the bed bug experts in Portola, CA, and surrounding areas.

Seal off your home.

• Seal off your home. Check for cracks and crevices that bedbugs can easily use to enter your home by sealing them with caulk, duct tape, or a foam sealant.
• Use silicone spray around windows to help keep bugs out of the house when it is cold outside (the silicone creates an impenetrable barrier).

Remove clutter in the bedroom.

Remember your bed. You want to ensure that your bed is clean and tidy because it will be where you sleep most of the time—and if there are bugs, they will live off of what you are lying on! Ensuring that clutter is not building up around your house is also essential. If something has been left out for too long, it can attract insects looking for food or shelter.

Vacuum every day.

Vacuuming can be a great way to keep bed bugs away. Bed bugs will hide in cracks and crevices, so vacuuming will help remove them from your home. It also removes the eggs and nymphs that hatch into new adult bed bugs after they die.

If you want to ensure your vacuum is doing its job, look for these signs:

• The mattress should have no blood stains or discoloration (e.g., brownish-red spots).
• When sun-dried or washed with soap and water, the sheets should be clean and wrinkle-free. If not washed regularly enough (at least weekly), consider laundering them instead of buying new ones every few months.

Buy a mattress cover for every bedroom in your house.

Protecting all the mattresses in your home is essential whether you live in an apartment or a house. Bed bug covers are easy to use and provide extra protection for your mattress. They are also inexpensive, usually less than $20 per cover.

Have an exterminator come in and inspect for bed bugs regularly (at least once a year).

It would be best if you had an exterminator come in and check for bed bugs regularly (at least once a year). It is because even if you do everything right, it is possible that your property could still get infested with these tiny pests. The best way to avoid this is by having someone who knows what they are doing check things out regularly. Bed bugs are hard to find, so you’ll want someone with experience identifying them and treating infestations.

Even though exterminating an infestation can be pricey, it is much better to avoid the problem altogether by taking preventative measures and calling in the pros early. In addition, education and preparation might save you a lot of money and heartache.

Be Vigilant During Peak Bed Bug Season

Bed bug infestations are rising across California, and no sign of them slowing down soon. The best way to fight these critters is by proactively protecting yourself, your home, and your family. 

As you have seen, there is a lot you can do to combat bed bugs and keep them out—so start this process as soon as possible. Reacting quickly rather than scrambling when knee-deep in bugs is much easier!

Beware of bed bugs during the warm season.

With California’s mild winter, it is not surprising that we see an increase in bed bugs in the state. Bed bugs will arrive when the temperatures rise; once they have arrived, they will need to find a warm place to spend the winter. Then, when they wake up in the spring and summer months, they will start looking for new places to feed—including your home or business.

Bed bugs might not be the friendliest creatures, but they are a reality that we must deal with occasionally. For assurance, invest in a bed bug heat treatment in Portola, CA.