How Hot Does It Have to Be to Kill Bed Bugs?

The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) is a notoriously difficult pest to eliminate due to its small size and ability to hide in tiny crevices. Since these insects have developed resistance to many chemical insecticides, control strategies now focus on their primary weakness: sensitivity to heat. Understanding the specific temperature thresholds that prove lethal is important for homeowners and pest control operators seeking effective eradication.

Defining the Thermal Death Point

The minimum temperature required to kill bed bugs, known as the thermal death point, is 113°F (45°C) for adults and nymphs. While effective, this temperature requires sustained exposure to ensure mortality across the entire population. Bed bug eggs are the most resilient life stage and require slightly higher temperatures for rapid destruction. To achieve 100% mortality in eggs, the temperature must reach 122°F (50°C). Successful heat treatment must account for all life stages.

The Crucial Factor of Exposure Duration

The duration of exposure is crucial for successful heat treatment. At the minimum lethal temperature of 113°F, adult bed bugs can survive for over 90 minutes, and eggs can survive for several hours. This extended survival time means that if the heat source is removed too quickly, the insects may recover. Raising the temperature by only a few degrees dramatically reduces the required exposure time. For example, at 118°F (47.8°C), adults die in about 20 minutes, and eggs perish in about 90 minutes. When the temperature reaches 122°F, mortality is nearly instantaneous for all life stages.

Professional Heat Remediation Strategies

Pest control professionals employ specialized equipment for whole-room thermal remediation. This process involves using high-powered electric or propane heaters to raise the ambient air temperature to a range of 120°F to 135°F (49°C to 57°C). Large fans circulate the heated air vigorously, preventing the formation of cold pockets where bed bugs could escape. Technicians place temperature sensors inside furniture, mattresses, and wall voids to ensure the core temperature of every harbor site reaches a minimum of 120°F. The treatment is sustained for several hours after the lethal temperature is achieved, ensuring the heat penetrates deep into insulated materials to kill all bed bugs and eggs.

Using Household Heat Methods

Consumers can apply heat effectively to specific items using household methods. The most reliable method is using a clothes dryer, which easily reaches lethal temperatures. Infested clothing, bedding, and washable items should be dried on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes after they are already dry. This ensures the heat penetrates completely. Another localized method is using a steam cleaner, which delivers temperatures between 160°F and 200°F (71°C and 93°C) directly to surfaces. When steaming, the nozzle must be moved slowly across the surface, such as a mattress seam or baseboard, allowing the high temperature to transfer before insects can move away.