How High Temperature to Kill Bed Bugs
WouterThere are two ways to kill bed bugs: freezing and heat. The former is easier to apply and can be very effective. The latter is less effective and may lead to a new generation of bed bugs. The temperature that kills bed bugs depends on the phase of life that the bugs are in. The temperature that kills bed bugs must be above 113degF for at least four hours.
The first method involves freezing the infected items in a freezer. However, it is important to note that freezing will only kill bed bugs that are inside soft materials. It is important to store items in plastic bags to prevent the bugs from escaping. Other items that can be frozen are shoes, cloth items, toys, and books. You can also place pictures in the freezer without them getting damaged.
The second method is to expose the bed bugs to heat for several hours. Exposure to heat above 113 degC for an hour will kill the bugs in half of the cases. Exposure to higher temperatures will also kill their eggs. This method works well in a home environment, but it can also be effective in a lab setting.
Before applying the heat treatment, homeowners must prepare the area that will be exposed to the heat. They should remove foods that can spoil or melt, as well as any flammable items. Moreover, they should keep an eye on any items brought inside from outside. Bed bugs can lay their eggs inside these items, which can lead to an infestation.
