Bed bugs are nocturnal parasites that feed on your blood and animals while asleep. Unfortunately, you can find these pests anywhere from airports to five-star hotels. They also infest public transportation such as buses and trains. Likewise, there is a tendency to travel quite frequently throughout their lifetimes. That is why knowing what temperature kills bed bugs is so important.
Know a little bit more about these pests. Bed bugs get their name because they like to reside in or near beds. They do not have any preference for sleeping areas. Their only concern is the feeding source.
Can Heat or Cold Kill Bed Bugs?
Temperatures below 32° or above 120° Fahrenheit will kill bed bugs on contact. However, temperature alone is not enough to get rid of the infestation completely.
How hot does it have to be?
It takes at least 30 minutes of exposure to very high temperatures like 120°F to kill bed bugs. Sustain temperatures that are more comfortable for you. Wait until at least an hour to get rid of these parasites. Signs of heat treatments include browning and crispiness on exposed parts of the insect’s body.
Although temperature affects them negatively, they can still hide in other places. This is despite the significant temperature rise. There are many other ways to keep them away.
What Cold Temperature Kills Bed Bugs?
One of these ways is temperature. However, you do not need to place them in a freezer. Very cold temperature itself does not kill bed bugs and their eggs completely. You can still use temperature to control them without letting them get too cold.
Room temperature that is between 65° and 80° Fahrenheit will kill up to 70% of these bugs after two hours of exposure. It may take more time for effectiveness in some areas. Examples are inside hidden crevices or underneath objects that insulate heat.
Can Bed Bugs Live in Cold Temperatures?
The temperature range of 40° to 50° Fahrenheit will kill up to 90% of these parasites within 30 minutes. This temperature range is also considered safe for you. However, temperature alone does not control infestations adequately. Bed bugs are resilient creatures that can survive temperature changes. Eggs can even withstand cold temperatures for several months.
At What Temperature Do Bed Bugs Freeze?
Extreme temperature below 20° Fahrenheit will kill bed bugs. However, it is not advised to put them in the freezer with infestation. This temperature can also damage your belongings. It may take time for killing bed bugs by freezing. Eggs may not have complete death. This is even during prolonged exposure to low temperatures.
What High Temperature Kills Bed Bugs and Their Eggs?
One of the ways to kill bed bugs and their eggs is the temperature over 120° Fahrenheit. Sustain the temperature long enough for it to have fatal effects. The interval is between 30 minutes to an hour. Exposing them at this temperature will cause death within two minutes though.
What Temperature of the Steam Is Necessary to Kill Bed Bugs?
A temperature of 120° Fahrenheit is required for bed bugs to die. The steam temperature that is too low will not kill these parasites. For this reason, you must get a steamer that has an adjustable temperature setting. You can start with the lowest temperature and gradually raise it until the infestation is gone.
Which Temperature Kills Bed Bugs Instantly?
The temperature required to kill bed bugs completely is between 122° to 126° Fahrenheit. This temperature range kills 100% of these parasites after 30 minutes of exposure.
It will also kill eggs and their molts. Eggs are especially vulnerable to temperature due to their thin shell. Molts, on the other hand, have a more durable outer coating. This allows them to survive at lower temperatures for an extended period.
The most number of days for this coating to wear off under normal temperature conditions is 10. However, there are other ways for you to ensure your safety from these pests. This is without turning up your home’s temperature too high or too low.
Caution of Using High Temperatures for Killing Bed Bugs
It is important to know that temperature does not kill bed bugs through contact alone. Maintain the temperature for a longer period to take effect. You may also need further help after temperature treatment, like vacuuming or laundering fabric.
Caution of Using Low Temperatures for Killing Bed Bugs
The extreme temperature that is too low may damage your belongings. The temperature also needs other factors to kill bed bugs through contact. It takes prolonged exposure to temperatures below 20° Fahrenheit for these parasites to die. Lower temperature can also make eggs harder and less vulnerable to destruction.
Bed Bug Temperature Chart
The temperature required to kill bed bugs depends on the time of exposure. You can become safe in your home by getting the temperature right. Know the temperature that kills bed bugs. Temperatures lower than 40° Fahrenheit will not control infestations. A higher temperature than 120° Fahrenheit may also damage your belongings.
Use temperature for killing bed bugs carefully. However, combining temperature with other approaches such as vacuuming and laundering fabric will serve to rid you of these parasites more effectively. Also, remember that it is important to use a steamer. It has adjustable temperature settings.
Adult bed bugs and nymphs take about the same amount of time for killing at 113°F through high heat treatment. However, eggs require temperatures higher than 118° F for an hour and 30 minutes. These also need four days for removal. It is only suitable if you need them gone faster!
Home Bed Bug Solution
To know the temperature that kills bed bugs, you should also know how it affects their development. It takes exposure to temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit for the eggs of this pest to survive. Eggs are more vulnerable to temperature than adults in general.
Exposure Time
The temperature that kills bed bugs requires exposure for 30 minutes. It takes between 28 and 35 days in general for these parasites to reach adulthood. For this reason, combine temperature treatment with other approaches.
Drop the temperature range between 113°F and 118° Fahrenheit. Lower temperatures are more effective such as cryonite freezing. You can also use low-energy heating devices for indoor treatments that are less than 200 watts.
