What kills bedbugs, particularly common bedbugs? - briefly
Heat treatment exceeding 45 °C for a minimum of 30 minutes, along with professional insecticides that contain pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, or silica‑based desiccant dusts, reliably kills common bedbug species. Steam, freezing, and rigorous vacuuming supplement chemical approaches to achieve complete eradication.
What kills bedbugs, particularly common bedbugs? - in detail
Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) survive on human blood and infest sleeping areas. Effective eradication requires a combination of chemical and physical tactics that target all life stages.
Chemical agents that achieve rapid mortality include:
- Pyrethroids (e.g., deltamethrin, bifenthrin) – neurotoxic, disrupt sodium channels. Resistance is widespread; products often contain synergists such as piperonyl‑butoxide to restore efficacy.
- Neonicotinoids (e.g., imidacloprid, acetamiprid) – bind nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, causing paralysis.
- Insect growth regulators (e.g., hydroprene, methoprene) – inhibit molting, preventing development into reproducing adults.
- Desiccant powders (e.g., diatomaceous earth, silica gel) – abrade the exoskeleton, leading to dehydration.
Physical methods that kill without chemicals:
- Heat treatment – raising ambient temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) for at least 90 minutes destroys eggs, nymphs, and adults. Professional equipment ensures uniform distribution.
- Steam application – saturated steam at 100 °C (212 °F) penetrates fabrics and cracks, causing instantaneous lethality on contact.
- Cold exposure – maintaining temperatures below –17 °C (1 °F) for a minimum of 4 days results in mortality, suitable for items that can be frozen.
- Vacuuming – high‑efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums remove live insects and eggs; immediate disposal of the bag prevents re‑infestation.
Integrated pest management recommends:
- Thorough inspection to locate harborages.
- Removal or laundering of infested textiles at ≥ 60 °C or freezing.
- Application of approved insecticide formulations to cracks, seams, and voids, following label directions.
- Use of desiccant powders in voids where chemicals cannot reach.
- Execution of heat or steam treatments for heavily colonized rooms.
- Post‑treatment monitoring with interceptor traps and repeat inspections at 2‑week intervals.
Combining these strategies eliminates populations, reduces resistance development, and minimizes the likelihood of resurgence.