What can kill bedbugs? - briefly
Heat above 120 °F (49 °C) for at least 30 minutes, professional insecticide sprays, and diatomaceous earth are proven lethal agents; prolonged freezing below 0 °F (‑18 °C) also kills all life stages.
What can kill bedbugs? - in detail
Effective eradication of bedbug infestations requires a combination of chemical, physical, and procedural tactics.
Chemical agents remain the primary tool. Professional-grade insecticides containing pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, or pyrroles are applied to cracks, seams, and baseboards. In cases of resistance, products with synergists such as piperonyl butoxide enhance potency. For localized treatment, aerosol sprays and dust formulations (silica gel, diatomaceous earth) provide contact and desiccation effects.
Physical methods supplement chemicals. High temperatures—steam at 130 °F (54 °C) for at least 20 seconds—penetrate fabrics and mattress interiors, causing immediate mortality. Portable heat chambers raise ambient temperatures to 120 °F (49 °C) for several hours, suitable for luggage, clothing, and small items. Conversely, freezing at –20 °F (–29 °C) for a minimum of four days eliminates bugs in sealed containers.
Environmental manipulation reduces survivability. Reducing clutter eliminates hiding places, while vacuuming with HEPA filters removes live insects and eggs; immediate disposal of vacuum bags prevents re‑infestation.
Integrated pest management (IPM) combines the above strategies. A typical protocol includes:
- Inspection of all sleeping surfaces, furniture, and wall voids.
- Application of residual insecticide to identified harborages.
- Steam treatment of mattresses, box springs, and upholstered furniture.
- Encasement of mattresses and box springs with certified bedbug‑proof covers.
- Laundering of all washable textiles at 120 °F (49 °C) or higher.
- Follow‑up inspections and repeat treatments at 7‑ and 14‑day intervals to target emerging hatchlings.
Adherence to label directions, proper personal protective equipment, and professional supervision ensures safety and maximizes efficacy.