Bed bugs are a resilient pest that has plagued homes and businesses for decades. They are known for their ability to thrive in small spaces, rapid reproduction, and propensity to hitchhike into your home unnoticed. One of the most effective strategies for eliminating bed bugs, however, is through temperature control.
But what temperature kills bed bugs? Understanding the answer can empower homeowners, apartment dwellers, and pest control professionals to take targeted action against these pests. This guide will explore what temperatures reliably eliminate bed bugs and their eggs, how temperature treatments work, and how to use them to safeguard your home or property.
The Clothes Dryer
One of the challenges in eliminating infestations is treating all household items that bed bugs can invade. Insecticides cannot be applied to toys, clothes, shoes, or bedding. Fortunately, a household dryer is highly effective for killing bed bugs on these items. A loosely filled dryer set on “high” can kill all life stages of bed bugs and their eggs in just 30 minutes. For items that cannot be tumbled, like leather shoes and handbags, a dryer with a removable shelf is ideal, although drying time may need to be extended to ensure all items reach the thermal death point.
Portable Heating Devices
The PackTite® portable bed bug heater is the only electric heating device designed to kill bugs. Initially intended for heat-treating suitcases, the PackTite® is also effective for other items such as clothing, backpacks, sleeping bags, and more. This collapsible duffle bag features a support rack for infested items and includes an interior heater and exterior heat monitor. The PackTite® heats to above 120°F, killing all bed bug life stages, including eggs. Although it takes several hours to treat items, it is portable and can handle items that a dryer cannot. The PackTite® retails for approximately $310 and measures 36″ long by 19″ wide by 24″ high when assembled.
Understanding Bed Bugs and Their Resilience
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs ()Cimex lectularius) They are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. They are typically reddish-brown and about the size of an apple seed. Bed bugs are nocturnal, hiding in cracks and crevices during the day and coming out at night to feed.
Why Are Bed Bugs Hard to Eliminate?
- Rapid Reproduction: A single female bed bug can lay 200–500 eggs in her lifetime, resulting in a full-blown infestation in weeks.
- Resistance to Treatments: Bed bugs have developed resistance to certain chemical pesticides, making them more challenging to kill.
- Hiding Spots: Bed bugs can hide in mattresses, upholstery, baseboards, and even behind wallpaper, making them challenging to locate.
- Hardy Survivors: Bed bugs can live for several months without feeding and tolerate various temperatures.
This resilience means traditional methods like chemical sprays may not always succeed, but thermal treatments offer a promising alternative.
At What Temperature Do Bed Bugs Die?
Bed bugs and their eggs are susceptible to changes in temperature. The proper heat levels can disrupt their survival mechanisms, effectively killing them. There are two key temperature thresholds known to kill bed bugs:
Heat Treatments
- Lethal Heat Temperature: Bed bugs die when exposed to temperatures of 118°F (48°C) for at least 90 minutes. Adult bed bugs and nymphs (young bed bugs) perish at this temperature.
- Eggs Require Higher Heat: Bed bug eggs, which are more resilient, must be exposed to 125°F (52°C) for several minutes for effective elimination.
Cold Treatments
- Lethal Cold Temperature: Extreme cold can kill bed bugs and their eggs. Freezing them at temperatures of 0°F (-18°C) for at least four days will eliminate them. This method requires consistently low temperatures, as brief exposure is insufficient to kill the insects.
High and low temperatures can effectively kill bed bugs; however, each method has specific requirements to ensure thorough extermination.
How to Use Heat to Kill Bed Bugs
Heat is one of the most common methods for combating bed bug infestations because it’s environmentally friendly, chemical-free, and highly effective. Here’s how you can implement a heat treatment step-by-step.
1. Professional Heat Treatments
Many pest control companies specialize in whole-room heat treatments. These professionals use industrial heaters to raise the room’s temperature to 130°F–145°F (54°C–63°C) for several hours.
- Effectiveness: This method ensures that heat penetrates every crevice where bed bugs may be hiding.
- Timeframe: A professional heat treatment typically lasts 4–8 hours.
- Precautions:
- Remove heat-sensitive items such as electronics, art, and candles before treatment.
- Follow the technician’s instructions to ensure complete eradication.
2. DIY Heat Treatments
If hiring professional help isn’t an option, you can still use heat on more minor infestations by focusing on specific items.
- Clothing and Bedding:
- Wash infested clothing, sheets, and linens on the hottest washing machine setting (at least 120°F/49°C).
- Place items in a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes to thoroughly kill bed bugs and eggs.
- Hot Box:
- Use heat chambers or “hot boxes” designed for pest control to treat items like shoes, luggage, and books. These chambers heat items to lethal temperatures without damaging them.
- Steam Heat:
- A handheld steamer can be used on mattresses, furniture, and baseboards. Steam at 212°F (100°C) is highly effective but requires careful application to ensure all areas are reached.
How to Use Cold to Kill Bed Bugs
Cold treatments can also eliminate bed bugs, especially for individuals in colder climates or those dealing with small infestations.
Steps for Freezing Bed Bugs
- Place infested items in tightly sealed plastic bags to prevent reinfestation.
- Use a freezer set to 0°F (-18°C) or lower.
- Leave items in the freezer for at least 96 hours (4 days).
- After freezing, inspect items thoroughly before returning them to your home.
Items Safe for Freezing
- Books
- Electronics
- Small textiles
- Shoes
- Accessories
Cold treatments require patience, as the process is much slower than heat treatments.
Pros and Cons of Temperature-Based Methods
Advantages
Chemical-Free: Safe for people, pets, and the environment.
Comprehensive: Heat and cold penetrate materials and crevices that sprays and powders often miss.
Effective on Eggs: Unlike some pesticides, which may not kill eggs, temperature treatments address all life stages.
Disadvantages
Cost: Professional heat treatments can range from $200 to $2,000, depending on the size of the infestation.
Time-Consuming: Freezing requires days to kill bed bugs effectively.
Precautions Needed: Heat-sensitive items must be removed beforehand, and cold treatments work only on particular objects.
Preventing Bed Bug Reinfestation
Once the infestation has been eradicated, it’s essential to adopt preventative measures.
- Inspect Secondhand Furniture before bringing it into your home.
- Use Protective Covers for mattresses and box springs.
- Declutter to reduce hiding spots.
- Vacuum Regularly, paying close attention to cracks and crevices.
- Monitor Travel Items such as luggage to ensure bed bugs haven’t hitched a ride back with you.
Implementing these measures can help you avoid the stress and inconvenience of another infestation.
Safeguard Your Space with Temperature Control
Temperature-based methods are some of the most effective ways to combat bed bug infestations, targeting adult insects and their eggs. Whether you prefer heat or cold treatments—or a combination of both—understanding the science behind their effectiveness will allow you to make informed decisions for your home or business.
We recommend consulting a licensed pest control professional for severe infestations to ensure the issue is resolved completely and safely.
Taking swift, calculated action can help you eliminate bed bugs and reclaim peace of mind.
