When do bedbugs die after cold fog treatment? - briefly
Bedbugs exposed to a cold‑fog application generally perish within 24–48 hours, with mortality increasing as temperature drops below 10 °C and exposure time lengthens. Complete eradication may require a second treatment if any survivors are detected after this period.
When do bedbugs die after cold fog treatment? - in detail
Cold fogging uses a fine, chilled aerosol to lower the temperature of infested areas to levels that are lethal for Cimex lectularius. The method relies on rapid heat extraction rather than chemicals, so the insect’s physiological processes cease when the ambient temperature drops below a critical threshold.
Research indicates that exposure to temperatures at or below –20 °C (–4 °F) for a minimum of 30 minutes results in 100 % mortality for eggs, nymphs, and adults. The lethal effect does not occur instantly; insects typically become immobile within the first few minutes, but irreversible damage to cellular membranes and nervous tissue completes within 1–3 hours after the fog dissipates and the environment returns to normal temperature.
Key variables that influence the timing of death include:
- Duration of exposure – longer fogging cycles increase the probability of complete eradication.
- Intensity of cooling – lower temperatures accelerate physiological failure.
- Life stage – eggs and early‑instar nymphs are slightly more tolerant; they require the full 30‑minute exposure at the stated temperature.
- Hideout insulation – heavily insulated furniture or wall voids may retain heat longer, extending the time needed for lethal cooling.
Because the treatment leaves no chemical residue, the primary action ceases once the temperature normalizes. Any surviving individuals, if present, will resume activity after the thermal shock dissipates, typically within the same 24‑hour window. Therefore, post‑treatment inspection should be carried out at 24 hours and again at 48 hours to confirm the absence of live pests.
If monitoring reveals residual activity, a second fogging cycle, applied under the same temperature and exposure parameters, is recommended. Repeated applications, combined with thorough removal of clutter and sealing of cracks, provide the most reliable outcome.