How to get rid of bed bugs in a freezer? - briefly
Place the infested objects in a freezer set to –18 °C (0 °F) and keep them at that temperature for at least four days to ensure all life stages are killed. After thawing, vacuum and launder the items to remove any remnants and prevent re‑infestation.
How to get rid of bed bugs in a freezer? - in detail
Eliminating bed‑bug infestations by exposing items to sub‑zero temperatures requires precise conditions. The process begins with identification of contaminated objects—clothing, linens, small furniture components, or accessories that can fit inside a standard freezer. Items must be sealed in airtight plastic bags to prevent moisture loss and to contain any insects that may escape during handling.
The freezer must maintain a temperature of at least –18 °C (0 °F) for a continuous period. Scientific studies confirm that adult bed bugs, nymphs, and eggs are killed after 4 days at this temperature. To guarantee lethality, extend exposure to 7 days; this margin accounts for temperature fluctuations when the freezer is opened.
Procedure
- Sort items by size; place each group in a resealable polyethylene bag, removing excess air.
- Label bags for later reference.
- Load bags onto freezer shelves, ensuring no contact with the freezer walls that could impede airflow.
- Set the thermostat to –18 °C or lower; verify with a calibrated thermometer.
- Keep the freezer closed for the full 7‑day interval; avoid defrost cycles that raise internal temperature.
- After the exposure period, remove bags, seal them again, and store in a separate, clean area.
- Wash or dry‑clean all items according to manufacturer instructions to remove any residual debris.
Post‑treatment, inspect the surrounding environment for surviving insects. Vacuum carpets, mattress seams, and cracks in walls; discard vacuum bags immediately. Apply a residual insecticide approved for indoor use to baseboards and crevices if a broader eradication effort is required.
Preventive measures include encasing mattresses in zippered covers, reducing clutter, and conducting routine visual checks. If large furniture cannot fit in the freezer, consider professional heat treatment, which raises ambient temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for a minimum of 90 minutes—a proven alternative to freezing.
By adhering to the temperature, duration, and containment guidelines outlined above, the freezer method provides a reliable, chemical‑free solution for destroying bed‑bug populations on suitable items.