What kills bed bugs? - briefly
Professional heat treatment that raises infested areas to at least 120 °F (49 °C) for several hours kills all life stages, while approved insecticides—pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, or silica‑based desiccants—provide chemical eradication when applied correctly.
What kills bed bugs? - in detail
Effective eradication of bed‑bug infestations relies on a combination of chemical, physical, and procedural tactics. Each method targets a specific stage of the insect’s life cycle and requires proper application to achieve complete control.
Chemical agents include pyrethroid‑based sprays, neonicotinoids, and desiccant powders such as diatomaceous earth. Pyrethroids disrupt nervous system function, causing rapid paralysis. Neonicotinoids bind to nicotinic receptors, leading to fatal overstimulation. Desiccants abrade the exoskeleton, resulting in dehydration. All chemicals must be applied to cracks, seams, and hidden refuges where insects hide.
Physical treatments exploit temperature extremes. Heat exposure above 45 °C (113 °F) for at least 30 minutes kills all developmental stages. Professional steam generators or portable heating units deliver uniform heat throughout infested items. Conversely, prolonged freezing at –20 °C (–4 °F) for 4 days also proves lethal, though practical implementation is limited to removable objects.
Mechanical approaches remove or isolate insects directly. Vacuuming with a HEPA‑rated filter extracts live bugs and eggs from surfaces and mattress seams. After vacuuming, bags should be sealed and discarded. Mattress encasements create a barrier that prevents feeding and traps any remaining insects, facilitating eventual death.
Integrated pest management (IPM) combines the above techniques with rigorous sanitation. Steps include:
- Declutter to reduce hiding places.
- Launder bedding and clothing at ≥60 °C (140 °F) or dry‑clean.
- Inspect and treat cracks, baseboards, and furniture joints.
- Apply insecticide sprays or dusts according to label directions.
- Follow with heat or steam treatment for thorough penetration.
- Seal treated areas to prevent re‑infestation.
Monitoring devices such as interceptor traps placed under bed legs provide early detection of residual activity. Continuous observation for several weeks confirms treatment success and indicates whether additional interventions are required.