How can bed bug eggs be killed? - briefly
Expose the eggs to temperatures of 120 °F (49 °C) or higher for at least 30 minutes, which destroys them instantly. Alternatively, use a residual pesticide approved for the egg stage, professional steam or freeze treatments, or whole‑room heat remediation.
How can bed bug eggs be killed? - in detail
Eliminating bed‑bug ova requires methods that either destroy the embryo directly or render the environment unsuitable for development.
Heat is the most reliable physical approach. Exposing infested items to temperatures of 45 °C (113 °F) for at least 30 minutes kills all life stages, including eggs. Professional heat‑treatment chambers maintain uniform temperature and provide verification through calibrated sensors. Portable steam generators can achieve the same effect on mattresses, upholstery, and cracks, but steam must penetrate for at least 10 seconds at 100 °C (212 °F) to guarantee mortality.
Cold also works when sustained. Freezing infested objects at –18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of four days ensures complete loss of viability. This method is practical for small items that can fit in a freezer; larger furnishings require specialized cold‑room facilities.
Chemical insecticides remain useful when applied correctly. Products containing pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, or desiccant dusts (e.g., silica gel, diatomaceous earth) penetrate the protective coating of the egg and disrupt respiration. For maximum efficacy, follow label directions, treat all reachable surfaces, and repeat applications after 7–10 days to catch any newly hatched nymphs.
Desiccation can be achieved by reducing humidity below 30 % and applying desiccant powders directly to crevices. The lack of moisture prevents embryonic development and leads to dehydration of the eggs.
Physical removal complements chemical and thermal tactics. Vacuuming with a HEPA‑rated filter extracts eggs from fabric seams and floor seams; immediate disposal of the vacuum bag or canister prevents re‑infestation. After vacuuming, seal the collected material in a plastic bag and discard it in an outdoor trash container.
Encasement of mattresses and box springs with certified bed‑bug‑proof covers isolates any remaining eggs, preventing them from hatching into a feeding population. The covers must remain sealed for at least one year, covering the full life cycle.
Combining methods—heat or cold followed by insecticide treatment, then vacuuming and encasement—provides the highest probability of complete eradication. Regular inspection after treatment, at intervals of 10–14 days, confirms that no viable eggs persist.