What Temperature Is Needed to Kill Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are hardy insects that can survive months without feeding and hide in the smallest cracks. But there is one thing they cannot withstand: sustained high heat. Professional heat treatments raise room temperatures to levels that bed bugs cannot survive, ensuring complete eradication in one visit.

Bed Bug Heat Treatment What Temperature Is Needed to Kill Bed Bugs?
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The Lethal Temperature Range

Scientific research and field experience show that bed bugs die at sustained exposure above 50°C (122°F). To ensure eggs, nymphs, and adults are all eliminated, professional heat treatments typically operate in the range of 50–60°C (122–140°F).

  • Adults and nymphs: usually die within minutes once core body temperature exceeds ~48–50°C.

  • Eggs: more resistant, requiring longer exposure at 50–52°C, or faster kill at 55–60°C.

  • Hidden harbourages: can take longer to reach lethal levels, which is why the hold time during treatment is critical.

Why “Time at Temperature” Matters

It’s not just about hitting the right temperature — it’s about holding it long enough to penetrate:

  • Mattress and sofa cores.

  • Cracks in wooden frames and skirting boards.

  • Behind fixed headboards and inside socket voids.

That’s why our process includes a heat soak/hold phase, where rooms remain at 50–60°C for several hours. This ensures even the coldest points in the room, not just the air, reach lethal levels. See: ThermoPest Heat Treatment Process.

Why Heat Beats Chemicals

  • Egg penetration: chemicals rarely kill eggs; heat denatures proteins inside them.

  • Resistance-proof: bed bugs can develop insecticide resistance, but not resistance to physics.

  • Coverage: heat moves through fabrics and voids where sprays cannot reach.

  • Same-day results: unlike sprays, which may need weeks and repeat visits, heat works in one.

Explore more: How does bed bug heat treatment work?

Impact on Property Items

Most household items tolerate treatment temperatures of 50–60°C:

  • Safe: mattresses, solid wood, carpets, books, plastics.

  • Remove beforehand: candles, wax, cosmetics, aerosols, live plants.

  • Special handling: electronics are usually fine when powered off; delicate instruments may need isolating.

Our technicians provide a full preparation guide before treatment so nothing is overlooked.

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Common Questions

No. Domestic heaters and hairdryers cannot safely heat an entire room or furniture core to lethal levels. Professional heat systems are required for reliable eradication.

Yes. Clothes and linens can usually tolerate these temperatures, and laundering at 60°C is an effective additional measure.

Steam is useful on surfaces and seams but has limited penetration depth. Whole-room heat treatment ensures every hiding place reaches lethal temperature.

Need expert help?

If you’re struggling with an infestation, ThermoPest offers BPCA-approved bed bug heat treatments that reach the lethal temperatures bed bugs cannot survive.

Homeowners and Businesses Trust ThermoPest

Speak to a bed bug expert today!

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