The question arises, “What temperature kills bed bugs?” Extreme hot temperatures can kill the bed bugs along with the eggs. If the room temperature is between 113 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit, one can easily get rid of the bed bugs, including the nymphs and the eggs. Take the services with proper heat treatment equipment and eliminate bed bugs.
One can kill the bed bugs at temperatures between -13 to -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the items infested with bed bugs for about 30 to 90 minutes and get rid of them. Any temperature above -13 F might not be effective as the bugs can withstand those temperatures and survive.
It is likely that you must have considered altering the temperature of your apartment, in an attempt to get rid of bed bugs. Since heat treatment is quite successful, you must have surely wondered, what temperatures kill bed bugs.
It is true that heat treatments are one of the surest ways to get rid of bed bugs, but this treatment only works if it is applied in the proper way. The correct temperature is very important when dealing with these creatures. In this article, you will get to know about the appropriate temperatures that can exterminate bed bugs.
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What Temperatures Kill Bed Bugs?
If you decide to go with an alteration in temperature to exterminate bed bugs, you could either go for heat or cold. Though there is no direct evidence, it is thought that heat treatment provides considerably better results than freezing.
The chart below will give you an idea of the temperatures that are detrimental to the existence of bed bugs
| Stage | High Temp | Low Temp | Duration |
| Adult bed bugs | 113 F – 120 F | -13 F | 90 minutes |
| Baby bed bugs (nymphs) | 113 F – 118 F | -13 F | 90 minutes |
| Bed bug eggs | 120 F – 125 F | -15 F | 90 minutes |
Though this chart will give you an idea, it is important to keep a number of other points in mind.
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Using Cold Temperatures To Kill Bed Bugs
It is true that cold temperatures can kill bed bugs. The critical temperature required to cause the extermination of bed bugs is -13 F. You should remember that even at -12 F, bed bugs have been known to survive. It is hence important that the temperature of -13 F be maintained for no less than 20 minutes, or 90 minutes if you wish to be on the safe side. There is still a chance that the bed bugs eggs might survive this temperature, so try to achieve and maintain a temperature as low as -15 F for the complete destruction of these pests.
Using Heat Treatment To Kill Bed Bugs
Somehow, it seems easier to heat up an apartment instead of freezing it. Many pest control companies have special equipment to bring about the desired temperatures that will cause bed bugs to perish.
A temperature between 113 F to 120 F is considered perfect if you are looking to exterminate bed bugs. At 113 F the bed bugs begin to experience a loss of function. If the temperature is further increased to 120 F you will notice that they begin to die instantly. The lower temperature (113 F) should be maintained for at least 90 minutes and it is not sure if bed bug eggs will perish at this temperature. The higher temperature (120 F) will give you the desired results within 20 minutes and it takes care of bed bug eggs too.
Using Steam Treatment To Kill Bed Bugs
If you wish to take your bed bug hunt a step further, steam treatment is the way to go. This kind of treatment is also used in cases where bed bugs have penetrated deep eg, into mattresses or crevices of the walls. Since steam is a lot hotter and more effective, this treatment will take care of nymphs and eggs too.
A temperature between 160 F to 180 F is considered appropriate if you are looking to exterminate bed bugs using steam. A temperature of 180 F is sufficient to penetrate 2 – 3 inches deep.
How to apply the steam treatment also makes a difference. It is always advised to use a commercial steamer with a minimum capacity of 1 gallon and steam volume control for perfect results.
Are Temperature Treatments Cost-Effective?
Temperature treatments come with a number of benefits, but they do carry disadvantages too. One of them is the cost of the treatments. For an average-sized home in the US, the cost of temperature treatment might come up to, as much as 1000$. This might seem steep for some.
In addition to this, some pest control companies charge a lump sum for their services, while others charge by the hour. Keep all these factors in mind before you decide on the most suitable treatment for your home.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, bed bugs are a persistent and difficult pest to eliminate. However, understanding the temperatures at which they can survive and thrive can help in the extermination process. By utilizing heat treatments and maintaining a consistent temperature of at least 113°F for at least 90 minutes, or by utilizing freezing temperatures below 32°F for at least four days, it is possible to effectively kill bed bugs and prevent infestations. Remember, as with any pest control method, it is important to consult with a professional and take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and your family.
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