What can kill domestic bedbugs? - briefly
Heat above 45 °C, professional insecticides (pyrethroids, neonicotinoids) and diatomaceous earth eradicate bedbugs; prolonged freezing below ‑17 °C also kills them.
What can kill domestic bedbugs? - in detail
Effective eradication of household bedbugs requires a combination of chemical, physical, and procedural measures. Each approach targets different life stages and habitats, increasing the likelihood of complete control.
Chemical options include:
- Pyrethroid insecticides: synthetic analogues of natural pyrethrins; applied as sprays or dusts to cracks, crevices, and mattress seams. Resistance may develop, so rotation with other classes is advisable.
- Neonicotinoids: act on the insect nervous system; useful for residual treatment on furniture and baseboards.
- Insect growth regulators (IGRs): compounds such as methoprene or hydroprene interrupt molting, preventing nymphs from reaching adulthood.
- Desiccant powders: diatomaceous earth, silica gel, or boric acid abrade the exoskeleton, causing dehydration. Apply thin layers where insects travel; reapply after cleaning.
Physical methods focus on heat, cold, and mechanical removal:
- Heat treatment: raise ambient temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for at least 90 minutes. Professional steamers or portable heaters can penetrate furniture, luggage, and wall voids. Verify temperature with calibrated probes.
- Cold exposure: maintain temperatures below –18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of four days. Freezing infested items in a commercial freezer or using a dedicated cold chamber kills all stages.
- Vacuuming: high‑efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums extract live bugs and eggs from surfaces. Empty the canister immediately into a sealed bag and discard.
- Steam: handheld steamers delivering 100 °C (212 °F) water vapor can treat mattress edges, upholstery, and baseboards; steam must reach all hidden pockets.
Procedural strategies reinforce chemical and physical tactics:
- Encasement: zippered mattress and box‑spring covers prevent migration and trap any survivors inside for 12 months.
- Clutter reduction: remove unnecessary items, especially those stored under the bed, to eliminate hiding places.
- Laundry: wash bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water (≥60 °C/140 °F) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Inspection and monitoring: place passive interceptors beneath each leg of the bed; replace weekly to detect residual activity.
- Professional integrated pest management (IPM): licensed exterminators combine the above techniques, calibrate dosage, and conduct follow‑up inspections to confirm eradication.
Success relies on thorough coverage, adherence to label directions, and repeated treatments until no live specimens are observed for two consecutive weeks. Combining heat or cold with residual insecticides and diligent sanitation offers the most reliable pathway to eliminate domestic bedbug infestations.