How does hot fog work against bed bugs? - briefly
Hot fog raises ambient temperature to over 45 °C, inducing lethal dehydration and protein denaturation that kills adult insects and their eggs. The fine vapor penetrates cracks, seams and fabric folds, reaching concealed habitats where bed bugs reside.
How does hot fog work against bed bugs? - in detail
Hot fog treatments rely on saturated steam at temperatures typically between 150 °C and 180 °C, delivered in a fine aerosol that can infiltrate cracks, seams, and fabric folds where bed‑bug life stages hide. The high temperature denatures proteins and disrupts cellular membranes, causing rapid mortality. Heat also collapses the protective waxy coating of eggs, preventing hatching.
Key mechanisms include:
- Thermal shock: Immediate exposure to temperatures above 45 °C for a few seconds induces lethal stress in adult insects and mobile nymphs.
- Moisture penetration: The vapor phase carries latent heat into porous materials, ensuring the interior of mattresses, box springs, and upholstery reaches lethal levels.
- Egg eradication: Sustained exposure to 60 °C–70 °C for at least 10 minutes destroys embryonic development, eliminating the next generation.
Effective application requires:
- Pre‑treatment inspection: Identify infested zones and remove items that cannot tolerate heat, such as electronics or heat‑sensitive fabrics.
- Equipment calibration: Verify that the fogger produces the target temperature range and particle size (10–30 µm) for optimal distribution.
- Uniform coverage: Move the fogger slowly, allowing the cloud to settle and permeate all surfaces; repeat passes in high‑density areas.
- Post‑treatment monitoring: Use temperature loggers to confirm that ambient temperatures remain above lethal thresholds for at least 30 minutes after fog dispersal.
Safety considerations involve ventilating the area after treatment, wearing heat‑resistant gloves, and ensuring that occupants and pets are removed during the process. When executed correctly, hot fog delivers rapid, comprehensive control of all developmental stages of the pest, reducing the need for chemical insecticides and minimizing reinfestation risk.