How do bedbugs die from cold fog? - briefly
Cold fog lowers ambient temperature to sub‑freezing levels, causing rapid heat loss that forms ice crystals within the insects’ bodies, rupturing cells and halting metabolism. This swift freezing results in immediate mortality.
How do bedbugs die from cold fog? - in detail
Cold‑temperature foggers work by delivering a dense cloud of sub‑freezing particles that rapidly lower the ambient temperature around the insects. When the surrounding air drops below the physiological freezing point of bedbugs (approximately –5 °C to –10 °C), several lethal processes begin simultaneously.
- Ice formation within tissues – Water inside cells and hemolymph crystallises, rupturing cell membranes and causing irreversible damage to organ systems.
- Disruption of metabolic enzymes – Enzymatic reactions slow dramatically at low temperatures, halting respiration and energy production.
- Loss of cuticular integrity – The exoskeleton contracts as it cools, creating micro‑cracks that increase desiccation and allow further heat loss.
- Neurological failure – Cold impairs nerve conduction, leading to paralysis and eventual death.
The fog’s effectiveness depends on three critical parameters:
- Minimum temperature reached – Temperatures below –10 °C guarantee rapid ice nucleation; higher temperatures may only induce temporary immobilisation.
- Exposure duration – Sustained contact for 5–10 minutes ensures that internal fluids fully equilibrate with the surrounding cold, preventing recovery.
- Particle size and distribution – Fine droplets (10–30 µm) remain suspended longer, providing uniform cooling across hidden crevices where bedbugs hide.
Commercial cold‑fog systems typically use liquid nitrogen or compressed carbon dioxide to generate the fog. The rapid expansion of these gases absorbs latent heat, creating the required temperature drop without leaving chemical residues. Operators must seal the treatment area, maintain the target temperature for the prescribed time, and allow the fog to dissipate before re‑entry.
In practice, successful eradication requires precise control of the fogging equipment, verification of temperature thresholds with calibrated sensors, and repeat applications to address any survivors that may have been insulated by bedding or furniture. When these conditions are met, cold‑fog treatment provides a reliable, non‑chemical method for eliminating bedbug populations.