With what can bedbugs be destroyed? - briefly
Heat exposure exceeding 120 °F (49 °C) for at least 30 minutes eliminates all bed‑bug stages. Approved chemical controls include EPA‑registered insecticides such as pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, or desiccant dusts like diatomaceous earth.
With what can bedbugs be destroyed? - in detail
Effective eradication of Cimex lectularius requires a combination of chemical, physical, and procedural tactics.
Chemical controls include:
- Pyrethroid‑based insecticides applied to cracks, crevices, and mattress seams.
- Neonicotinoid sprays for resistant populations.
- Desiccant powders such as diatomaceous earth or silica gel, which abrade the insect’s exoskeleton and cause dehydration.
Physical methods rely on extreme temperatures:
- Steam treatment at 130 °C for at least 30 seconds penetrates fabric and kills all life stages.
- Hot‑dry heat chambers maintaining 50–60 °C for 90 minutes eradicate infestations in luggage, clothing, and small items.
- Freezing at –18 °C for a minimum of four days eliminates bedbugs in sealed containers.
Procedural strategies enhance overall success:
- Thorough vacuuming of upholstered surfaces, followed by immediate disposal of the bag.
- Encasement of mattresses and box springs with certified bedbug‑proof covers, preventing re‑infestation.
- Regular laundering of bedding and clothing at 60 °C, then drying on high heat.
Integrated pest management (IPM) combines these approaches, employing monitoring traps to assess population levels and adjusting treatments accordingly. Continuous vigilance, prompt detection, and adherence to labeled application rates are essential for complete elimination.