How long do bedbugs take to die? - briefly
Bed bugs can live up to several months without feeding, yet exposure to temperatures of 45 °C (113 °F) for about 90 minutes or a proper insecticide will kill them within minutes to a few hours.
How long do bedbugs take to die? - in detail
Bedbugs typically die within a few minutes when exposed to temperatures above 45 °C (113 °F). At 50 °C (122 °F) the lethal period shortens to 10 minutes or less. Conversely, at refrigeration temperatures (0–4 °C or 32–39 °F) they can survive for several weeks without feeding.
When deprived of a blood meal, adult insects may persist for 2–6 months, depending on humidity. Low relative humidity (below 40 %) accelerates dehydration and can reduce survival to 1–2 months, while higher humidity prolongs it.
Chemical insecticides act on different timelines:
- Pyrethroids: knock‑down within 30 minutes, mortality usually complete by 24 hours.
- Neonicotinoids: paralysis begins within an hour, full death often occurs within 48 hours.
- Desiccant powders (e.g., diatomaceous earth): insects dry out over 2–5 days, depending on exposure.
Physical control methods follow similar patterns:
- Heat treatment (45–50 °C) eradicates all life stages in under 30 minutes.
- Freezing (‑15 °C or lower) requires at least 72 hours to ensure mortality.
- Steam (100 °C) applied for 10 seconds per hideout kills on contact.
Eggs are the most resistant stage. They hatch in 6–10 days at 22–26 °C (72–79 °F). Heat above 45 °C kills eggs within the same minutes required for adults. Freezing for 72 hours also eliminates eggs.
Overall, the time to lethal outcome varies with temperature, humidity, feeding status, and control method. Rapid mortality is achieved with high heat, while starvation and low humidity produce gradual decline over weeks to months. Chemical and desiccant treatments fall between these extremes, generally delivering complete kill within 1–5 days.