How Long and How Hot to Kill Bed Bugs
To kill bed bugs, it’s important to understand the temperature range in which they thrive. For example, temperatures as low as -13degF (25degC) will not kill bed bugs. However, temperatures over 50degC will kill them and their eggs. Ideally, you should apply heat treatments in stages over several days.
Heat treatments are most effective if they are done properly. The higher the temperature, the faster bedbugs die. For this reason, you should always monitor the temperature of the treated areas to make sure the bugs are killed. This is because some stages of bedbugs can survive high temperatures.
If heat treatment is not available for your area, you can employ the services of a licensed pest control company. However, not all exterminators offer heat treatments, and you may have to hire a specialist if you want the best results. Even then, you should know that bed bugs are tougher to kill than many other insects. Aside from disrupting your sleep, the bites caused by these insects can cause skin infections.
To kill bed bugs, heat treatments should be applied to all surfaces of the house. This will make sure that the temperature penetrates all the surfaces and kill any remaining bed bugs. If you hire a professional, you should make sure that they use temperature monitors. You should also record the temperatures that are reached during the heat treatment process.