What temperature kills bed bugs?

Can heat or cold kill bed bugs?

Heat does kill bed bugs, but it needs to hit a specific threshold. Adult bed bugs die at 119°F and their eggs need temperatures of at least 125°F to be fatal. Importantly, the heat also has to penetrate every crack and hiding spot, so a warm room or a cranked thermostat won't cut it.

A home dryer can help with clothing and bedding, but it won't reach bugs hiding in walls, mattresses, or furniture. Treat a few items, and you may reduce the numbers, but the rest of the infestation stays put. Professional bed bug control is usually the only effective option for an established infestation.

Does cold kill bed bugs?

Cold can also kill bed bugs, but again, the threshold is extreme. Bed bugs need to be exposed to 0°F for at least four days to die. This can work for small, freezer-safe items like clothing or bedding, but as with DIY heat methods, it won't reach bugs hiding in walls, furniture, or your mattress.