How do household bedbugs die? - briefly
Bedbugs die when subjected to extreme temperatures, such as heating to 50 °C (122 °F) for several minutes or freezing below –15 °C (5 °F) for several days. Chemical insecticides, desiccant dusts, and thorough vacuuming also cause mortality.
How do household bedbugs die? - in detail
Domestic bedbugs succumb through several distinct mechanisms, each requiring specific conditions for effectiveness.
Elevated temperature eliminates the insects rapidly. Exposure to ≥ 46 °C (115 °F) for at least 90 minutes results in universal mortality; heat‑based treatments commonly employ portable heaters or professional steam devices that maintain the target temperature throughout infested areas.
Conversely, extreme cold also proves lethal. Sustained exposure to ≤ –17 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of four days causes irreversible damage to cellular membranes and disrupts metabolic processes. Freezing infested items in a commercial‑grade freezer meets these criteria.
Chemical agents act by disrupting nervous function. Pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, and carbamates interfere with sodium‑channel gating or acetylcholine receptors, leading to paralysis and death. Application guidelines specify concentration, contact time, and re‑treatment intervals to overcome known resistance patterns.
Physical removal complements chemical approaches. High‑efficiency vacuuming extracts insects and eggs, reducing population density. Steam generators delivering water vapor at ≥ 100 °C (212 °F) penetrate fabric pores, killing concealed stages within seconds.
Encasement of mattresses and box springs prevents re‑infestation by isolating residual bugs; the barrier must be certified to block passage of all life stages.
Biological control remains experimental. Entomopathogenic fungi, such as Beauveria bassiana, infect bedbugs through cuticular invasion, producing lethal spores. Field trials indicate mortality rates of 60–80 % after repeated applications under optimal humidity.
Integrated pest management combines the above tactics: heat treatment to eradicate hidden populations, targeted insecticide sprays for residual control, and mechanical removal to diminish numbers. Monitoring with adhesive traps verifies success and informs follow‑up actions.