Bed bugs are effectively killed by both high heat and intense cold.
Effective Methods for Eliminating Bed Bugs
The key to killing bed bugs lies in exposing them to temperatures outside their tolerance range. Here’s a breakdown:
Heat Treatment
- High Heat: Bed bugs cannot survive temperatures of 115°F (46.11°C) or higher.
- Washing and Drying: A common method is to wash infested bedding and clothes in hot water for at least 30 minutes, followed by drying on the highest heat setting for another 30 minutes. This dual approach helps ensure all bed bugs and their eggs are destroyed.
Method | Temperature | Duration |
---|---|---|
Washing | Hot Water | 30 Minutes |
Drying | Highest Heat | 30 Minutes |
Cold Treatment
- Intense Cold: Bed bugs also succumb to very low temperatures, specifically 32°F (0°C) or below.
- Freezing: While not always practical for large infestations, freezing small items can effectively kill bed bugs, but the duration varies according to the item size and the freezer efficiency.
Practical Insights
- Targeted Approach: Focus on areas where bed bugs are likely to be, such as bedding, clothing, and furniture.
- Thoroughness: Ensure complete exposure of infested items to the required temperatures to eliminate all bed bugs.
- Combined Methods: A combination of heat and cold treatments, when feasible, can increase effectiveness.
- Professional Help: For severe infestations, consider contacting pest control professionals who use specialized heat treatments or other methods to completely eradicate the bed bug population.