One of the most commonly asked questions we receive is, “What temperature kills bed bugs?” This question is typically followed up with, “How long should I conduct my treatment at the “kill” temperature?” We will address both questions in this article by providing information from a combination of widely published university studies and real-world experience. As with structural drying, you cannot fully replicate every structure or situation, which is why we will incorporate field-based considerations.
Below, you will find a table compiling a variety of studies from entomologists on “thermal inactivation” or “kill temperatures” for adult bed bugs, nymphs and eggs. Please keep in mind that these are direct exposure temperatures, not based on room temperature.