What temperature kills bedbugs? - briefly
Bedbugs die when exposed to a minimum of 49 °C (120 °F) for at least 30 minutes; lower temperatures require significantly longer exposure and are generally ineffective. Temperatures below 45 °C (113 °F) do not reliably kill all life stages.
What temperature kills bedbugs? - in detail
Bedbugs are exterminated when exposed to temperatures that exceed their physiological tolerance. Research indicates that a sustained heat of 48 °C (118 °F) for at least 90 minutes will achieve 100 % mortality across all life stages, including eggs. Shorter exposures at higher temperatures are also effective; for example, 54 °C (130 °F) maintained for 10 minutes eliminates the insects.
Cold treatment requires prolonged exposure. Temperatures at or below –17 °C (1 °F) must be maintained for a minimum of four days to ensure complete kill, because lower temperatures slow metabolic processes but do not instantly destroy the insects.
Practical application of thermal control involves the following steps:
- Raise ambient temperature to 50 °C (122 °F) using professional heating equipment.
- Verify temperature uniformity with calibrated sensors; all zones must stay within ±2 °C of target.
- Maintain the target temperature for a minimum of two hours, allowing a safety margin beyond the 90‑minute lethal threshold.
- Cool the environment gradually to avoid re‑infestation from surviving individuals.
When using cold methods, the protocol includes:
- Place infested items in a freezer capable of reaching –20 °C (–4 °F) or lower.
- Keep items sealed to prevent condensation.
- Maintain the temperature for at least five days, providing a buffer beyond the four‑day minimum.
Both heat and cold strategies demand precise monitoring. Inadequate temperature control or insufficient exposure time can result in sub‑lethal stress, potentially increasing insect resistance. Professional pest‑management services employ calibrated data loggers and validated heat‑distribution maps to guarantee compliance with the lethal thresholds outlined above.