What can cause bedbugs to die? - briefly
Bedbugs succumb to extreme heat (above 45 °C), freezing temperatures (below –17 °C), prolonged dehydration, insecticidal treatments, or predation by natural enemies.
What can cause bedbugs to die? - in detail
Bed bug mortality results from a combination of chemical, physical, biological, and environmental interventions that disrupt the insect’s physiology or habitat.
Chemical agents that directly kill the insects include pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, chlorfenapyr, and desiccant powders such as diatomaceous earth. Pyrethroids impair nerve function, leading to paralysis; neonicotinoids bind to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, causing overstimulation and death. Chlorfenapyr interferes with cellular respiration, while desiccants abrade the cuticle, causing dehydration.
Physical methods rely on extreme temperatures. Exposure to heat above 45 °C (113 °F) for at least 30 minutes denatures proteins and destroys eggs and nymphs. Conversely, prolonged exposure to temperatures below –17 °C (1 °F) freezes internal fluids, resulting in lethal tissue damage. Steam treatments that reach 100 °C (212 °F) can instantly kill surface‑dwelling bugs but may not penetrate deep crevices.
Environmental manipulation reduces survival chances. Reducing humidity below 40 % accelerates desiccation, especially when combined with low‑temperature storage. Removing clutter eliminates hiding places, limiting access to protected microhabitats and increasing exposure to other control measures.
Biological agents exploit natural enemies. Entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana infect the insect through the cuticle, proliferate internally, and cause death within several days. Parasitic wasps that target egg stages are under investigation but are not yet widely deployed.
Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies combine several of these tactics. A typical protocol includes thorough vacuuming to remove visible insects, followed by targeted heat treatment, application of a residual insecticide, and placement of desiccant dust in voids. Monitoring with interceptor traps verifies the decline in population and guides further action.
Each approach has limitations. Chemical resistance can develop, especially with repeated pyrethroid use. Heat treatment requires precise temperature control to avoid damage to furnishings. Biological agents may be slower to act and are sensitive to environmental conditions. Successful eradication depends on selecting complementary methods, applying them correctly, and maintaining vigilance until no live specimens are detected for at least several weeks.