How Hot Do Bed Bugs Die?
WouterThe lethal temperatures of bed bugs are not well defined. However, some researchers have determined that a single exposure at 45 degC can kill adult bed bugs and their eggs. Other researchers have estimated that the temperature is sufficient to kill adult bed bugs within 24 h. This study focuses on determining the lethal temperatures of bed bugs and eggs. The authors show that exposure to this temperature at 45 degC results in an LTime99 of 94.8 min for adult bed bugs, and 71.5 minutes for eggs.
The temperature range used in bed bug treatments varies according to the species and type of bug. Usually, the temperature should reach around 117-120 degC to kill the bugs. However, there are exceptions to this rule. In the event of a heat treatment, pest controllers will increase the temperature of a room or house to kill the bedbugs within minutes.
The temperature ranges above are the recommended temperatures for killing bed bugs. Bedbugs do not die at temperatures below 44 degF, and are also not affected by freezing temperatures. Nevertheless, freezing your home is not recommended as it can cause structural damage and will not kill bed bugs. However, if freezing is your only option, it’s best to hire a pest control company to kill the bugs for you.
Previously, temperature thresholds were not used, as the insects were able to adapt to the heat and survive the process of death. Currently, researchers have calculated the maximum temperature that kills adult bed bugs. For example, an exposure of 110.3 degrees Fahrenheit is enough to kill fifty percent of adults, but to kill all the eggs, 119 degrees Fahrenheit is required.
