At what temperature do bedbugs die? - briefly
Exposure to heat of at least «45 °C» (113 °F) for a minimum of 30 minutes results in fatality for the insect. Sustained freezing at «–18 °C» (0 °F) for several days also kills them.
At what temperature do bedbugs die? - in detail
Bedbugs are eliminated when exposed to temperatures that exceed their physiological tolerance. Research indicates that a sustained heat exposure of 45 °C (113 °F) for 30 minutes results in complete mortality across all life stages, including eggs. Higher temperatures accelerate the lethal effect: 48 °C (118 °F) achieves total kill within 10 minutes, while 50 °C (122 °F) can eradicate insects in under 5 minutes.
Professional heat‑treatment protocols typically maintain an ambient temperature of 50 °C (122 °F) for at least 90 minutes. This duration ensures that heat penetrates furniture, wall voids, and mattress cores, reaching the required lethal threshold throughout the infested environment.
Cold can also be lethal, but requires prolonged exposure. Temperatures at or below ‑17 °C (0 °F) must be sustained for a minimum of 4 days to guarantee death of all stages. Rapid freezing, such as placing items in a standard household freezer for a few hours, is insufficient because the temperature may not reach the necessary low point uniformly.
Key factors influencing thermal control:
- Exposure time – longer periods compensate for lower temperatures; shorter periods demand higher heat.
- Uniformity of temperature – heat must circulate evenly; cold must envelop the entire object.
- Life stage sensitivity – eggs are slightly more resistant to heat, requiring the full 30‑minute exposure at 45 °C; larvae, nymphs, and adults are killed more rapidly.
- Material insulation – dense fabrics or sealed containers can delay temperature rise, necessitating higher set points or extended exposure.
When implementing heat treatment, monitor temperature with calibrated sensors placed in multiple locations, ensuring each reading stays above the lethal threshold for the prescribed duration. For cold treatment, verify that the freezer or refrigeration unit consistently maintains the target sub‑zero temperature and that items are packed to avoid thermal bridges.
In summary, temperatures of 45 °C (113 °F) for 30 minutes or higher provide reliable eradication, while sub‑zero conditions of ‑17 °C (0 °F) require at least 4 days of exposure. Proper implementation hinges on consistent temperature control, adequate exposure time, and thorough coverage of all infested zones.