- By Vil Malinoshevsky
- About bedbugs
Bed bugs, like any living creatures, require a comfortable air temperature for normal survival and reproduction. They can survive in a fairly narrow temperature range, and if the temperature gets too low or too high, they die.
A comfortable temperature regime for them is 25-30 °C. At the same time, they can live and remain active at a temperature of +10 ° C, but if it drops below -35 ° C, it kills them. First, the bedbugs fall into torpor, and the larvae stop hatching from their eggs. Long-term preservation of frost leads to their complete death. The same happens if the temperature rises above +45 °C. Moreover, the higher the temperature, the faster they die.
People use this feature of bedbugs when fighting them. For example, contaminated furniture is taken outside during severe frosts, things are washed in hot water, and apartments are treated with steam from a steam generator. Sometimes such measures are enough to kill bedbugs.
However, such insect control is not always effective. Sometimes it is not possible to detect all the nests of parasites and place them in the zone of extreme temperatures for them. Also, the reason for the survival of bedbugs may be a rapid change in temperature and its return to normal levels. For example, if the temperature lethal for bedbugs is maintained for a short time, they can withstand it and do not die.
We decided to conduct an experiment and check at what degrees and how quickly the bugs die. We also talked with exterminators who constantly destroy parasites using steam generators, and found out from them why residents themselves are not always able to kill insects using similar methods.
In literary sources, in particular Medical Entomology T.V. Vasilyevich says that adult bedbugs and larvae at +25-30 °C can survive up to 18 months without feeding. At plus 10 degrees, the parasites do not die; this only happens when the temperature drops to minus 17 °C. This temperature should remain for more than a day. Bedbugs die faster when the temperature rises. For example, at +45 °C they live no more than 45 minutes.
We checked the data in practice. If at +45 °C insects die in such a time, it means that with greater heating they should die faster.
Ideal living conditions for a bedbug
Insects of this species reproduce and actively develop in warm microclimates. However, it is important that they receive food regularly, otherwise even a comfortable air temperature will not help them develop correctly and quickly. The most comfortable conditions are:
- The humidity level should not be below 60%, and ideally it should be 70-80%.
- Temperature from +20 to +30°C.
Bed bugs prefer these living conditions because they allow the parasites to easily find food. When such environmental conditions are maintained, insects develop faster. In a colder environment, they go from larva to imago in 1.5-2 months, but at +20 ... +30°C they become sexually mature twice as fast.
In addition, parasites cannot live in a home where the humidity level is too low. As a result, the air may become dry. The body of insects dries out due to loss of moisture. For adults, this is not the biggest problem, since they feed regularly. Blood replenishes the lack of moisture in the body. However, in a dry microclimate, the eggs dry out.
However, this does not happen as quickly as when using artificial heat sources, but gradually the shell dries out and the embryo inside it dies.
Climate influence
Insects live in homes and have adapted to living at room temperatures. Cold weather, due to frequent and prolonged ventilation, makes bloodsuckers lethargic, and slight warming increases their activity.
When fighting bedbugs, you need to create conditions that are uncomfortable for them:
- keep the windows open more often to cool the room;
- treat things with a steamer or household steam generator.
Creating an unfavorable climate will cause the death of bloodsuckers or force them to migrate.
Life depending on conditions
Insects can survive at temperatures from -25 to +50°C. The rate of death of parasites directly depends on this. If you are interested in the question at what temperature do bedbugs die, you need to remember that the lower limit for them is low and is +45°C. In winter the critical temperature is -7°C.
However, for insects to eventually die, they must be exposed to unfavorable conditions for a sufficiently long time. By increasing/lowering the temperature, you can speed up the process. Humidity is no longer a key factor, but only a secondary one that causes discomfort.
Processes in the body of parasites develop much faster in a cold or too hot microclimate.
Developmental anomalies caused by changes in environmental conditions:
- Reducing the temperature to +15°C helps slow down the growth of parasites, the embryos inside the eggs stop developing, but do not die, the same effect is observed when the temperature drops to -7°C.
- At temperatures +32°C and above, the service life is shorter - 10 months (the norm is 1 year).
- When the air temperature is constantly kept at +25°C, parasites can live up to 15 months.
At low temperatures, these insects survive for several days.
At what temperature do bedbug eggs die?
Irreversible processes in the protective coating begin to develop at critical temperatures of -30°C and above. Exposure to severe frosts leads to immediate death of the offspring. A similar effect is achieved at temperatures above +55°C.
Please note that eggs tolerate temperature changes well. Negative processes do not develop under the shell.
Temperatures must exceed 55°C for bed bug eggs to begin to die.
At what temperature do bed bug larvae die?
Young parasites are less resistant to changes in environmental conditions. They can be killed by placing them in the same environment as adults. Death will certainly occur if the parasite is exposed to temperatures below -20°C and above +45°C. Slightly higher changes (up to +48°C) will result in more insects dying. They die faster.
The larvae die at -17°C but can survive for 24 hours. If the frost intensifies slightly (by 3°C), the parasites live no more than 3 hours. The larvae are not yet able to fully resist negative influences in the same way as adults, so they die earlier. Adults can withstand greater temperature changes.
It should be noted that the larvae will not be able to withstand conditions in which the eggs are still viable. The nymphs die immediately.
Burnout
The burning method appeared relatively recently and is currently considered one of the most advanced. To warm the air in the room to the required temperature, special heaters are used, which operate for 2-3 hours, destroying 100% of the insect population. The only downside to burning is the cost. In addition to operating expensive equipment and transporting it, you will also have to pay large electricity bills. In addition, bulky heaters can be quite difficult to bring into an apartment building.
Advantages and disadvantages of temperature effects on bedbugs
Despite positive practical results, thermal disinsection using warm air generators has not become widespread in Russia. The reason for this is labor intensity, high labor and retail price of the service, as well as high electricity consumption. The cost of industrial heat treatment is many times higher than the cost of disinfestation with chemical agents.
Upon contact with an iron, steam or boiling water, bedbugs die immediately, but only locally, where their points of dispersal are located. A building dehumidifier produces an uneven distribution of warm air, so it is also extremely inefficient.
The problem of infestation by blood-sucking insects is a serious one. Every year in Russia the number of infections doubles. It is not only the scale of this disaster that is dangerous, but also social prejudices. Neighbors don’t like to talk about this among themselves, and if it becomes known that there are bloodsuckers in the apartment, they stop visiting. In order to avoid becoming a victim of infection and public censure, it is necessary to choose an effective method of extermination.
Among existing methods of pest extermination, chemical disinfestation retains its leading position. State and commercial companies operate in this area. For visitors to our website, we maintain a rating of such organizations, with the help of which individuals and companies can choose a pest control contractor.
Temperature control methods
The temperature dependence of the living conditions of parasites is used against them. If you think about the temperature at which bedbugs die, you need to remember the threshold above which insects can no longer develop and reproduce, and most of them die. The temperature value in this case is +45°C.
In accordance with this, methods are selected that ensure heating of the air to the specified level.
Thermal gun
This device heats the air to a temperature of +60°C. At this temperature, insects die immediately. There is no need to spend a lot of time cleaning places where pests have built their nests. Simply hold the heat gun over each one for a few seconds. This time can be increased to 30 seconds for greater reliability. The device is large and powerful enough so that treatment does not take much time. It is important to turn off the device periodically to avoid overheating of the mechanism.
Most often used in professional environments
Steam generator
This device produces hot steam. It is used to immediately kill parasites, as the air is heated to +100° C and higher, depending on the mode. It is not advisable to treat infected areas for long periods of time. The disadvantage of this method is the need for careful treatment of the area, since the nozzle is small. This leads to increased treatment time. A steam generator, like a heat gun, destroys eggs, larvae and adults.
The steam generator has a relatively small working area
Wash
Bed bugs can be removed in several ways:
- Automatic washing machine;
- Handwash.
To combat bed bugs, you must use the latter option. Hand washing will not give the desired effect. This happens because too little hot water is used. Considering that bedbugs die at a temperature of +45°C, you can wash and then soak your clothes. However, the water will quickly cool down. We recommend washing clothes at high temperature (90 degrees Celsius).
Wash at the highest possible temperature to get rid of bed bugs
Ironing
If you want to know at what temperature bed bugs (and their eggs) die, you should check the operation of various household appliances. For example, the leg of the iron is heated to the required temperature, at which the parasites begin to die, and even more so. The effectiveness of this control method is enhanced by the possibility of direct contact between insects and the heat source. When the sole of the iron presses through the woven material, the eggs die, and the larvae and adults are destroyed during the washing process.
Boiling water
This is one of the simplest methods. It is not considered safe, although it does not contain toxic ingredients. This happens because water boils at +100°C. In such an environment, eggs, larvae and adults of insects die. Death occurs immediately after contaminated objects are immersed in liquid.
The disadvantage of this option is that it cannot be used to treat the entire home.
Pest nests can be doused with boiling water. However, the most common use of hot water is to boil clothing and textiles.
Boiling water kills bedbugs at all stages of development
Ultra-violet rays
This method helps kill harmful microorganisms that often multiply in parasite nests, as it creates suitable conditions for them. In addition, exposure to direct sunlight causes contaminated items to heat up. Depending on the type of material, the temperature can rise significantly. In such conditions, parasites quickly die.
The hotter the furniture or other objects, the faster the insects die. All that remains is to throw away the dead house pests. It is important to place furniture so that the sun hits the infested areas.
Freezing
The principle of operation is the same as when heated in the sun. If furniture is exposed to frost, insects will certainly die. It is important to know at what temperature bedbugs die. For example, if it is -25°C outside, you will have to keep them outside for several hours and even the eggs will die. However, not all regions experience such low winter temperatures. If there is no severe frost in the region, you can simply keep the furniture outside for much longer - from 1 day or more.
The disadvantage of this method is that it cannot be used to exterminate bedbugs in the house. If you open all windows and doors wide in winter, the risk of frost damage to your heating system will increase.
Cold fog
The insecticide solution is sprayed using a steam generator. Cold fog is used when pests need to be eliminated quickly. Cold fog is safe for people and destroys bedbugs and their larvae within 1-2 hours.
Cold fog today is considered the most reliable method - it does not leave a single surviving parasite.
Hot air gun
This is another name for a hair dryer. The device can operate in various modes - up to +500°C. It is used periodically to prevent the mechanism from overheating. It is inferior to a heat gun because it only heats a small area.
The hot air gun has a very high operating temperature, but a small impact area
Household steam cleaner
Its main function is to produce steam. The result is the same as for any steam generator. The action of air heated to a critical temperature destroys pests in a very short time.
Bed bug eggs and larvae can also be removed using a heat steam cleaner
Safety rules during operation
When working with a steam generator, you need to be careful and follow safety rules. Steam can cause severe burns during operation. When destroying parasites, the following conditions must be met:
- The steam generator nozzle must be wrapped in gauze so that a strong air flow does not blow the bedbugs and their larvae to another place. The fabric will help distribute the steam flow;
- Not all surfaces can be treated with hot steam. For example, varnished surfaces, books. Plastic cannot be processed with a steam temperature of more than 70°C, it will be deformed;
- When steam is produced, a certain amount of liquid is released, which can splash out along with the steam. If it gets on upholstered furniture and wallpaper, it will leave stains that will be difficult to remove. To avoid this, keep the steam generator nozzle at a distance of 25 cm from the surface being treated;
- Before starting work, you must turn off electrical appliances. Do not use the steam generator near sockets;
- steam should not be directed at the body of a person or animal;
- There is no need to set high humidity on the steam generator. 20% will be enough. This does not affect the death of bedbugs and their larvae, but high humidity can ruin furniture, wallpaper, and decorative plaster.
Washing temperature to kill bedbugs
Bed bugs are also known as linen bugs. They can be killed by washing clothes in a certain way. The rules are different for machine and hand washing.
Handwash
In case of hand washing:
- Pour boiling water into a bowl.
- Add powder and wash clothes.
- Cover the basin with plastic wrap to keep the laundry warm.
Machine washable
Machine washable:
- Wash at a temperature of at least 60 degrees.
- It is preferable to set the temperature to 95 degrees.
- Wash for at least 60 minutes.
After drying, go over the clothes with a steam iron.
User reviews
Anna, 39 years old, Kazan
I considered boiling water the safest option. Processed it 2 times. I noticed that there is no need to clean the apartment additionally, there is no extra smell.
Valery, 33 years old, Vladimir
I used 2 methods simultaneously: a steam generator and a pesticide. I was pleased.
Anastasia, 32 years old, Vologda
Household electrical appliances - a washing machine, an iron and a kettle - helped in the fight against parasitic insects.
Survival and mortality of adult insects
It is possible to trace the relationship between changes in environmental conditions and parasite mortality. If this is clarified, then it may be possible to avoid the use of toxic substances in treatment. It is only important to know at what temperature bedbugs die. However, this is only possible if the number of insects is small and each individual nest is found.
Graph of bedbug death rate depending on temperature
The higher the temperature, the faster the insects will die. You can eliminate more bugs at one time.
Graph of the rate of death of bedbug eggs depending on temperature
The dependence of vital functions on environmental conditions can be seen on the graph.
Questions and answers
People affected by bloodsuckers have questions they want answered.
Is it possible to combine methods?
It is recommended to combine several methods so that bloodsuckers do not get used to one method. Bedbugs live in different places in the house, so the approach should be different.
How to completely get rid of bedbugs using only high or low temperatures?
Killing parasites by raising or lowering the temperature depends on their stage of development. Therefore, to destroy bedbugs, eggs and larvae, it is necessary to use comprehensive measures.
Do I need to use insecticides?
Thermal procedures do not always give the desired effect. Sometimes it is necessary to use insecticides. You must handle them carefully, taking precautions to avoid poisoning. It is best if this problem is treated by a specialist.
Habitats
The most popular habitats for bedbugs
Before you treat bedbugs, you need to find the places where they live. Blood-sucking insects hide during the daytime:
- in the upholstery of a sofa and other upholstered furniture;
- under the bed mattress;
- behind the baseboard;
- under the wallpaper;
- in the cracks on the wall;
- behind picture frames;
- under the windowsill;
- in books;
- in the closet among bedding, clothes and other things.
Bed bugs molt up to 5 times before becoming adults. Therefore, in the places where they live, you will find small shells ranging from light brown to dark brown in color. In the nests you can also find white elongated eggs of bedbugs up to 1 mm long or empty shells from them.
Attention! In an apartment with a large number of bedbugs, you can smell rotten wood, fermented berries and dampness.
Prevention
Clean the room regularly, shake out clothes in closets, arrange books on shelves, throw away everything unnecessary and superfluous: old carpets, tapestries, etc.
After purchasing and before installing new furniture, inspect it carefully. Insects may be found on new pieces of furniture.
Turn over and inspect the mattress in your bedroom from time to time. The favorite hiding place of parasites is closer to humans (this is what bed bug bites look like).
If you have a steam generator, periodically steam clean carpets, sofas, mattresses, etc.
When returning from your trip, wash all items at 50°C or higher or have them dry cleaned. Check your suitcases carefully. They can be treated with insect repellent, steam cleaner or iron.
Washing, cleaning and impregnating used items and furniture from bloodsuckers is a must.
Infection through clothing
Typically, bedbugs enter an apartment along with contaminated furniture and other things. They often enter a human home with clothing. Adults (imago), larvae (nymphs) and eggs hide in its folds. If an infested piece of clothing is left untreated, the bedbug population will soon increase and spread throughout the house.
bug on jeans
Another way of colonizing an apartment with blood-sucking arthropods through clothing is through infecting one’s own belongings in someone else’s house. Simply being in an infected room is not enough. In order for bedbugs to crawl into the folds of your clothing, you need to spend the night in it. You can bring parasites home from relatives or friends. Bedbugs are often brought from hotels.
Expert opinions
Some professional pest control methods are based on the characteristics of bedbugs, especially their survival temperature. But it is difficult to carry out high-quality self-treatment of the premises. The survival rate of insects is very high for several reasons: technology is not followed, incorrect temperature and short exposure time.
Experienced specialists take into account many interrelated factors: the degree of infestation, the time of appearance of insects, the total area of the room and the features of the building. Of the professional steam treatments, cold and hot mist are the most effective.
In both cases, a fine mist of insecticide is sprayed by a steam generator. Hot fog has an additional destructive effect - temperature. The spectrum of action of professional steam treatment is very wide - the fog kills bedbugs, ants and cockroaches. Maximum steam saturation ensures the destruction of the entire population.
Bedbugs are afraid of too high or low temperatures. However, local steaming or partial freezing is not enough to destroy them. An integrated approach is required, which can only be provided by a professional pest control service.
