What Temperature Kills Bed Bugs?
Temperature is the defining factor that makes bed bug heat treatment effective. It is not enough to simply make a room feel hot — lethal temperatures must be reached and held long enough to affect all bed bug life stages.
This page explains the temperature science behind professional bed bug heat treatment, including the differences between killing adult bugs and eggs, and why duration matters.
For a full overview of the treatment process, see our bed bug heat treatment page.
Lethal Temperature Ranges for Bed Bugs
Scientific studies show that bed bugs begin to die at temperatures above approximately 45°C. However, effective control requires higher temperatures to ensure consistent mortality, particularly for eggs.
Professional heat treatments typically raise temperatures into the range of 50–60°C within the treated space to ensure all life stages are exposed to lethal conditions.
Why Bed Bug Eggs Are More Resistant
Bed bug eggs are more heat-resistant than adult insects. This is due to their protective shell and lower metabolic activity.
Temperatures that may kill adult bed bugs quickly can leave eggs unaffected unless those temperatures are sustained for sufficient time.
Why Time Is as Important as Temperature
Heat treatment effectiveness depends on the relationship between temperature and time. A brief exposure to high heat may not kill eggs, while sustained exposure ensures complete mortality.
Professional treatments focus on achieving and maintaining lethal temperatures across all harbourage areas, not just reaching a peak reading.
The Problem with Cold Spots
Cold spots are areas that fail to reach or sustain lethal temperatures. Common cold spots include wall voids, furniture joints, mattress seams, and flooring edges.
If cold spots remain, bed bugs or eggs can survive and re-establish the infestation.
How professional equipment eliminates cold spots is explained on our Technology & Equipment page.
Monitoring Temperature During Treatment
Professional heat treatment uses multiple temperature sensors placed in known harbourage areas. These sensors confirm that lethal temperatures are reached and maintained throughout the property.
Without monitoring, there is no reliable way to know whether treatment conditions were sufficient.
Why DIY Heat Treatment Fails on Temperature Alone
DIY heat treatment often focuses on surface temperature rather than internal harbourage temperatures. This creates a false sense of success.
Without monitoring and airflow control, DIY heating cannot ensure consistent exposure for long enough to kill eggs.
The practical limitations of DIY methods are explored in our DIY vs Professional page.
Talk to us about Bed Bug Pest Control
Call us on 0808 189 2310 – or complete our quote form below.
FAQs
What temperature kills adult bed bugs?
Adult bed bugs begin to die above around 45°C, but higher sustained temperatures are used in professional treatments for certainty.
What temperature kills bed bug eggs?
Eggs require higher temperatures held for longer periods to ensure complete mortality.
Is hotter always better?
No. Controlled, sustained heat is more effective and safer than uncontrolled temperature spikes.
How long does heat need to be held?
Professional treatments maintain lethal temperatures for several hours to ensure complete coverage.
Can cold spots cause treatment failure?
Yes. Even small cold spots can allow bed bugs or eggs to survive if not addressed.
Summary
Bed bug heat treatment works by maintaining lethal temperatures for long enough to kill both adult bugs and eggs. Duration and monitoring are as important as temperature.
Industry Experts
Leading experts in bed bug control
Emergency Call-outs
Guaranteed quick and rapid responses to urgent infestations
Contract Work
For ongoing problems, use our preventative contracts
Get a quote
- Commercial or Domestic
- Nationwide Pest Control
- Help & Advice on 0808 189 2310
Homeowners and Businesses Trust ThermoPest
Speak to a bed bug expert today!
- Commercial or Domestic
- Lines open 24 hours a day 7 days a week
- Nationwide Bed Bug Control
- Technicians work 24 hours a day
- Help & Advice on 0808 189 2310