In this article, we will answer the question: Will a heated blanket keep bed bugs away?
If you’ve ever wondered about the potential relationship between bed bugs and electric blankets, this article will provide you with insights. They are pesky pests that can cause discomfort and inconvenience, and electric blankets are cozy items that many people use for warmth during chilly nights.

In this article, we’ll explore the question of whether they can infest electric blankets, the factors to consider, and practical tips to prevent and address any potential issues. By understanding the dynamics between bed bugs and heated blankets, you can make informed decisions to keep your sleeping environment free from these unwelcome visitors.

What is an Electric Blanket?

An electric blanket, also called a heated blanket, is a type of blanket that is equipped with built-in electrical heating elements. It provides warmth and comfort by generating heat when connected to an electrical power source. Electric blankets typically have adjustable temperature settings, allowing users to regulate the level of warmth according to their preferences. They are commonly used during colder seasons or in cold climates to help keep individuals warm and cozy while sleeping or relaxing.

Can Bed Bugs live in Electric Blankets?

Bed bugs can potentially infest electric blankets if they find suitable hiding spots within the fabric or seams. However, it is less common for bed bugs to inhabit electric blankets compared to other places like mattresses, upholstery, or cracks and crevices. They are attracted to areas where they can easily access human hosts, such as beds or sofas, rather than blankets alone. Nonetheless, it’s essential to be cautious and take preventive measures if you suspect a bed bug infestation. Regularly inspecting and cleaning your heated blanket, along with implementing general bed bug prevention strategies, can help minimize the risk of infestation.

Can An Electric Blanket Kill Bed Bugs?

Electric blankets alone are not considered a reliable method for killing bed bugs or their eggs. While they are sensitive to heat and high temperatures can kill them. Heated blankets typically do not reach temperatures high enough to eliminate a bed bug infestation. They are known to withstand temperatures up to 113°F (45°C), and most heated blankets do not produce heat beyond that range.

To effectively eliminate bed bugs, it is recommended to use other methods such as heat treatment, steam treatment. These methods involve raising the temperature to lethal levels that can penetrate all areas where they may be hiding, ensuring complete eradication.

Another way to get rid of bed bugs using heat is to get them in a Dryer. If you want to know more, check our article on Dryer and Bed Bugs.

Do Heated Blankets attract Bed bugs?

Heated blankets themselves do not attract bed bugs. Their human hosts primarily attract bed bugs through the carbon dioxide they exhale, body heat, and other chemical signals. They seek out areas where they can easily access their hosts for blood meals, such as beds, sofas, or other resting places.

While heated blankets do not inherently attract them. If a bed bug infestation is already present in your living space. They may seek out potential hiding spots, including the folds or crevices of an electric blanket. However, this is not unique to heated blankets. Indeed, they can infest various items in the vicinity of their preferred hiding places.

It’s important to note that they are not attracted to electric blankets specifically. But rather to the warmth and accessibility of areas where humans spend time. Practicing good bed bug prevention techniques, such as regular inspection and cleaning, can help reduce the risk of infestation in your living space, including items like electric blankets.

Will a Heated Blanket keep Bed bugs away?

A heated blanket alone is not likely to keep bed bugs away or prevent an infestation. While they are sensitive to heat and high temperatures can kill them, simply using a heated blanket will not provide sufficient heat or coverage to eliminate a bed bug infestation.

To effectively control and prevent these pests, it is important to implement comprehensive strategies that include multiple methods. These may include regular inspection and cleaning of bedding and surrounding areas, vacuuming, laundering infested items on high heat.

Can Bed bugs live in Weighted Blankets?

They can potentially infest weighted blankets if they find suitable hiding spots within the fabric or seams. However, it is less common for bed bugs to infest weighted blankets compared to items like mattresses, upholstery, or cracks and crevices. They usually nest where they can easily access human hosts for blood meals. Places such as beds or sofas, rather than blankets alone.

Weighted blankets can pose some challenges for bed bugs due to their heavier weight and construction. The extra weight and tightly woven fabric may make it more difficult for them to establish harborage or move around freely. However, it is still possible for bed bugs to infest weighted blankets. Particularly if they are already present in the surrounding environment.

Does Heat make Bed bugs active?

Heat does not necessarily make bed bugs more active. They are typically more active during the nighttime. These insects are also naturally drawn to warmth and the presence of their hosts (humans or animals) for blood meals. They are also attracted to carbon dioxide emitted by humans.

While they are not necessarily more active in response to external heat sources, higher temperatures can impact their behavior and survival. They are sensitive to heat, and prolonged exposure to temperatures above 113°F (45°C) (study source) can be lethal for them. People commonly use heat treatments to eliminate bed bug infestations. Because the high temperatures can penetrate their hiding places and effectively kill them, including their eggs.

So, while heat treatments can be effective in eradicating bed bugs, it is not the heat itself that makes them more active. But rather their natural nocturnal behavior and attraction to warmth and hosts for feeding.

Conclusion

In this article, we answered the question: Will a heated blanket keep bed bugs away?
While it is possible for bed bugs to infest heated blankets, it is not a common occurrence. They are more likely to seek out hiding spots in areas where human hosts are present, such as beds or sofas. Electric blankets alone are not a foolproof solution for preventing or eliminating them.

However, by practicing good hygiene, regular inspection, and taking necessary precautions. Such as using bed bug-proof encasements, laundering bedding on high temperature or heat treatments. You can minimize the risk of pest infestations in your sleeping environment.

If you want to know the best heaters designed for bed bugs available on the market. You can have a look at our Bed Bugs Heater Buying Guide.