What are bedbugs intolerant of? - briefly
Bedbugs are intolerant of extreme temperatures, dying when exposed to heat above 45 °C (113 °F) or cold below –17 °C (1 °F). They also cannot survive prolonged contact with desiccating agents such as silica gel, diatomaceous earth, or other drying powders.
What are bedbugs intolerant of? - in detail
Bed bugs exhibit low tolerance for extreme temperatures. Sustained exposure to temperatures above 45 °C (113 °F) for as little as 30 minutes results in rapid mortality. Conversely, prolonged exposure to temperatures below -10 °C (14 °F) for several hours can also be lethal, although brief cold snaps may only induce temporary inactivity.
Humidity levels influence survival but do not constitute a strict intolerance. Relative humidity below 20 % accelerates desiccation, reducing lifespan to weeks rather than months. Optimal survival occurs within 40–80 % humidity; therefore, very dry environments impose a physiological stress that shortens life expectancy.
Chemical agents present a pronounced incompatibility. Synthetic pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, and desiccant powders (e.g., diatomaceous earth) disrupt nervous function or damage the exoskeleton, leading to death. Bed bugs also display heightened sensitivity to ethanol‑based formulations; direct contact causes rapid dehydration and mortality.
Physical disturbances affect viability. Continuous vibration or mechanical agitation, such as that generated by ultrasonic devices, does not reliably kill insects but can impair feeding behavior and reduce reproductive success.
Key intolerances can be summarized:
- Heat: > 45 °C for ≥ 30 min
- Cold: < -10 °C for ≥ 4 h
- Low humidity: < 20 % relative humidity
- Specific insecticides: synthetic pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, desiccants
- Ethanol exposure: direct contact with ≥ 70 % solutions
- Prolonged mechanical disruption: sustained vibration or agitation
Understanding these vulnerabilities enables targeted control strategies that exploit temperature extremes, humidity manipulation, and appropriate chemical treatments.