How can you kill a bed bug? - briefly
Apply high heat (≥ 120 °F/49 °C) to infested items by washing, drying, or steaming, and simultaneously use a registered residual insecticide on cracks, seams, and furniture. Seal treated areas and repeat the process after 7–10 days to eliminate any survivors.
How can you kill a bed bug? - in detail
Bed bugs are resilient insects; successful eradication requires a combination of physical, thermal, and chemical tactics applied consistently.
First, isolate the infestation. Strip the bed of all linens, pillows, and mattress protectors. Wash fabrics in water hotter than 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes, then dry on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. For items that cannot be laundered, place them in a sealed plastic bag and expose them to a freezer set at –18 °C (0 °F) for at least four days.
Second, treat the sleeping surface. Vacuum the mattress, box spring, bed frame, and surrounding furniture thoroughly, using a brush attachment to dislodge insects and eggs. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed container. Apply a heat‑based method: use a portable steamer that produces steam at 100 °C (212 °F) and move it slowly over seams, folds, and crevices for 10–15 seconds per spot. Heat penetrates to the insect’s hiding places and kills both adults and nymphs.
Third, employ insecticidal products where appropriate. Choose a registered bed‑bug label that contains a pyrethroid, neonicotinoid, or desiccant such as diatomaceous earth. Apply the spray to cracks, baseboards, and voids according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring adequate coverage without overspraying. For residual control, consider a dust formulation of silica gel, which adheres to the insect’s cuticle and causes dehydration.
Fourth, install encasements. Mattress and box‑spring covers rated to block insects prevent re‑infestation and trap any survivors inside, where they will die within several weeks without a blood source.
Fifth, monitor progress. Place interceptors under each leg of the bed; these devices capture crawling bugs and provide a visual indicator of ongoing activity. Replace interceptors weekly and record catches to assess treatment efficacy.
Finally, evaluate the need for professional assistance. If the population persists after two to three treatment cycles, a licensed pest‑control operator can apply specialized heat chambers (raising ambient temperature to 45–50 °C for 4–6 hours) or fogging equipment that delivers a fine mist of certified insecticide, both of which achieve deeper penetration than DIY methods.
Consistent application of these measures—laundering, freezing, vacuuming, steaming, targeted chemicals, protective encasements, and diligent monitoring—creates an environment hostile to the pest and ultimately eliminates the problem.