How Hot For Bed Bugs?
WouterIf you are concerned about bed bugs in your home, you should know how hot it should be to kill them. Generally, temperatures above 100degF are not effective against bed bugs. It takes approximately ninety-four minutes for an adult to die at this temperature. However, higher temperatures are more effective at killing the eggs of these bugs. The eggs must be exposed to temperatures above 118degF for 90 minutes in order to be killed.
There are a number of methods to kill bed bugs. One way is to use hot water on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Another option is to dry clean the infected items. However, you should be careful as high temperatures may result in more damage than good. It is also important to use clean, safe and legal methods when using these methods.
A more effective heat treatment involves a process whereby the entire house is heated. This method allows the heat to penetrate all surfaces and kill bed bugs. Airflow is also important since it speeds up the heating process and helps the heated air reach protected areas. The process should be conducted in a controlled manner for as long as possible to ensure that the entire area has been treated effectively.
Studies have demonstrated that temperatures of forty-five degC and above are effective against adult and egg stages of bed bugs. However, the lethal temperatures for these insects can be significantly higher. For example, an adult bed bug exposed to forty-one degC for twenty-four hours has a mortality rate of 94.8 minutes. While these temperatures are effective against adult bed bugs, they are unlikely to kill eggs or larvae.
