What time of year is worst for bed bugs?

The worst time of year for bed bugs is generally summer months, from June to August, when temperatures are warm, travel peaks, and bed bug activity and reproduction increase, though bed bugs can be active year round indoors because they live in heated homes. In summer, several factors worsen infestations, warmer temperatures of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit speed up development from egg to adult from about 5 to 8 weeks to as little as 5 weeks, and increase egg laying, so populations grow faster from a few bugs to hundreds in months. Summer is peak travel season, with more people staying in hotels, hostels, and rentals, increasing hitchhiking on luggage and clothing and spreading bugs between homes. College students moving in and out of dorms in late summer spread bugs via used furniture. In warmer months, people may open windows and have more guests, increasing introduction. However, bed bugs do not disappear in winter, they remain active indoors in heated buildings and can survive months without feeding, and infestations can be worse in winter because people spend more time in bed and heating keeps rooms warm. Pest control data shows calls peak in late summer and early fall, August to September, after summer travel. So while bed bugs are year round, summer and early fall are worst due to faster reproduction and increased travel and movement.