People in Nashville usually try various methods to keep bugs from invading their space. Bugs are unwanted visitors that can be annoying and harmful. One method some people use against bugs is keeping the house cold. But does this work?
Nashville features hot and humid summers, which make your home a comfortable place for humans and bugs. But you might wonder if turning down the thermostat can stop a feast infestation. Experts at saelapest.com usually say it depends on the type of bugs to deal with and how cool enough is the temperature used. Keep reading to better understand whether or not you can handle a bug issue with cold temperatures:
Bugs Love Warmth
Most insects are cold-blooded, which means they depend on outside temperatures to regulate their body heat. They are more active in warm temperatures. But they slow down or die off in the cold. This is the reason why you do not see as many bugs crawling around in winter.
Bugs might head indoors in search of food, water, and more comfortable temperatures when it is hot and humid outside. But not all bugs behave the same way.
Will a Cold House Keep Bugs Away?
Keeping your home cool can help reduce some insect activity, but it is not a foolproof solution. Here’s how cooler temperatures may affect different types of pests:
- Ants. These creatures are tough. They slow down a bit in cold weather, but they won’t just disappear because you turned your AC to 68°F. They will stick around regardless of temperature if they have already found food or water in your home.
- Cockroaches. These pests love warm, damp areas. Cooler temps might make them less active, but they will not be scared off entirely. Plus, they are excellent at finding cozy hiding spots where it is still warm.
- Flies and mosquitoes. These pests slow down in cooler temperatures and avoid colder areas.
- Spiders: Spiders are not usually drawn to heat the same way as other bugs. They go wherever the food is, which means spiders will come if you have bugs in your home, no matter the temperature.
- Silverfish and earwigs: These pests prefer damp, dark places. Temperature might not affect them as much as moisture does.
How Cold Is Cold Enough?
You would need to lower your indoor temperature quite a bit to make bugs uncomfortable. It should be colder than most people would want to live in. Some bugs start to get weak at around 50°F, and many cannot survive long at temperatures below freezing. But turning your Nashville home into an icebox is not practical or comfortable for everyday life. Thus, keeping your home in the low 70s or high 60s may help discourage some pests, especially if the alternative is a hot, humid environment that bugs love.
Moisture Matters More Than You Think
Humidity and moisture are often more important. Bugs love water. They usually hang out in leaky faucets, damp basements, and humid bathrooms.
The spring and summer months in Nashville bring high humidity that makes your home more appealing to bugs. Running your air conditioner can help lower indoor humidity, which may make a bigger difference than temperature alone. You can also use dehumidifiers in basements or other damp areas to make your home less bug-friendly.
Other Ways to Keep Bugs Out
You should focus on practical pest control steps that work no matter the temperature. These steps include the following:
- Seal entry points. Check for cracks around windows, doors, and your foundation. Even tiny gaps can be bug highways.
- Keep things clean. Bugs come inside looking for food. Wipe down counters, sweep floors, and store food in sealed containers to deprive bugs of their sustenance.
- Fix leaks. A slow drip under your sink might not bother you but it is a free drink station to bugs.
- Empty the trash regularly. Leftover food smells will attract all types of unwanted guests. So, try to empty the trash daily.
- Use screens and door sweeps: This will make it harder for bugs to just walk or fly in.