Mistakes and shortcomings that are made in the process of removing house bugs often lead to uninvited neighbors taking up residence in the house again. Of course, the question arises, how to get them out? In fact, this process is quite complicated. After all, there is no unique remedy against house bugs. In addition, these insects easily adapt to almost any conditions. They easily get used to even toxic chemicals.
A warm human home is the most attractive place for bed bugs to live. If uninvited neighbors do move in, then you should be patient. After all, removing bedbugs requires not only patience, but also certain knowledge.
Ideal living conditions for a bedbug
Insects of this species reproduce and actively develop in warm microclimates. However, it is important that they receive food regularly, otherwise even a comfortable air temperature will not help them develop correctly and quickly. The most comfortable conditions are:
- The humidity level should not be below 60%, and ideally it should be 70-80%.
- Temperature from +20 to +30°C.
Bed bugs prefer these living conditions because they allow the parasites to easily find food. When such environmental conditions are maintained, insects develop faster. In a colder environment, they go from larva to imago in 1.5-2 months, but at +20 ... +30°C they become sexually mature twice as fast.
In addition, parasites cannot live in a home where the humidity level is too low. As a result, the air may become dry. The body of insects dries out due to loss of moisture. For adults, this is not the biggest problem, since they feed regularly. Blood replenishes the lack of moisture in the body. However, in a dry microclimate, the eggs dry out.
However, this does not happen as quickly as when using artificial heat sources, but gradually the shell dries out and the embryo inside it dies.
The drug "Executioner"
This remedy is also considered effective. It helps fight bedbugs. Moreover, the composition is safe not only for humans, but also for pets. To obtain a solution, you need to dilute one bottle of the drug in ½ liter of water, preferably warm. In this case, the solution must be stirred well. It is best to treat surfaces with a spray and with the windows closed. You should also use protective equipment: gloves and a respirator.
Among the advantages of this drug it is worth highlighting:
- Rapid destruction of adults, larvae and eggs.
- There are no stains on the furniture after treatment, slight odor.
- Relatively low cost.
Life depending on conditions
Insects can survive at temperatures from -25 to +50°C. The rate of death of parasites directly depends on this. If you are interested in the question at what temperature do bedbugs die, you need to remember that the lower limit for them is low and is +45°C. In winter the critical temperature is -7°C.
However, for insects to eventually die, they must be exposed to unfavorable conditions for a sufficiently long time. By increasing/lowering the temperature, you can speed up the process. Humidity is no longer a key factor, but only a secondary one that causes discomfort.
Processes in the body of parasites develop much faster in a cold or too hot microclimate.
Developmental anomalies caused by changes in environmental conditions:
- Reducing the temperature to +15°C helps slow down the growth of parasites, the embryos inside the eggs stop developing, but do not die, the same effect is observed when the temperature drops to -7°C.
- At temperatures +32°C and above, the service life is shorter - 10 months (the norm is 1 year).
- When the air temperature is constantly kept at +25°C, parasites can live up to 15 months.
At low temperatures, these insects survive for several days.
At what temperature do bedbug eggs die?
Irreversible processes in the protective coating begin to develop at critical temperatures of -30°C and above. Exposure to severe frosts leads to immediate death of the offspring. A similar effect is achieved at temperatures above +55°C.
Please note that eggs tolerate temperature changes well. Negative processes do not develop under the shell.
Temperatures must exceed 55°C for bed bug eggs to begin to die.
At what temperature do bed bug larvae die?
Young parasites are less resistant to changes in environmental conditions. They can be killed by placing them in the same environment as adults. Death will certainly occur if the parasite is exposed to temperatures below -20°C and above +45°C. Slightly higher changes (up to +48°C) will result in more insects dying. They die faster.
The larvae die at -17°C but can survive for 24 hours. If the frost intensifies slightly (by 3°C), the parasites live no more than 3 hours. The larvae are not yet able to fully resist negative influences in the same way as adults, so they die earlier. Adults can withstand greater temperature changes.
It should be noted that the larvae will not be able to withstand conditions in which the eggs are still viable. The nymphs die immediately.
How to use vinegar essence
Among the people, such a remedy for bloodsuckers as table vinegar is in great demand. The relevance is explained by the low cost of vinegar essence and the fact that it can be bought in a store, as well as its relative safety for living beings.
It is worth considering that herbs and aromatic oils will only scare away parasites for a while, but they will not die from this.
To exterminate, every centimeter of the surface must be treated, naturally, spending a large amount of effort and time. The stronger the solution of vinegar essence is applied, the stronger the effect will be. Vinegar poses the same danger to parasites as it does to humans. It can only kill in large quantities and in strong concentration.
Vinegar is a pungent odorous liquid that will not only kill parasites, but also repel new ones.
Vinegar has proven to work well as a preventive measure. They are good for wiping places through which a bug can pass - window frames, window sills, cracks in the walls, ventilation. But since vinegar evaporates quickly, you will need to process it often.
Vinegar has proven to be most successful in combination with other chemicals.
Removal can be carried out in two ways. The first method involves a mixture of alcohol, vinegar and naphthalene in equal parts. The mixture can destroy a bug only if it gets on it; it can be sprayed in the nests. The second method involves a mixture of vinegar and wormwood infusion. This product is good for repelling parasites; it is necessary to treat areas from where the parasite can enter the home.
Advantages and disadvantages of temperature effects on bedbugs
Despite positive practical results, thermal disinsection using warm air generators has not become widespread in Russia. The reason for this is labor intensity, high labor and retail price of the service, as well as high electricity consumption. The cost of industrial heat treatment is many times higher than the cost of disinfestation with chemical agents.
Upon contact with an iron, steam or boiling water, bedbugs die immediately, but only locally, where their points of dispersal are located. A building dehumidifier produces an uneven distribution of warm air, so it is also extremely inefficient.
The problem of infestation by blood-sucking insects is a serious one. Every year in Russia the number of infections doubles. It is not only the scale of this disaster that is dangerous, but also social prejudices. Neighbors don’t like to talk about this among themselves, and if it becomes known that there are bloodsuckers in the apartment, they stop visiting. In order to avoid becoming a victim of infection and public censure, it is necessary to choose an effective method of extermination.
Among existing methods of pest extermination, chemical disinfestation retains its leading position. State and commercial companies operate in this area. For visitors to our website, we maintain a rating of such organizations, with the help of which individuals and companies can choose a pest control contractor.
Specialized services
No one has yet created a unique remedy against bedbugs. But other drugs and folk remedies cannot get rid of the scourge 100%. If you don’t have the strength and patience to fight insects on your own, then you should seek help from a specialized service.
Modern organizations that remove parasites process premises using a ULV generator . This allows you to significantly reduce the volume of toxic components due to the generated mist, which is evenly distributed over all surfaces. Special services will quickly rid any home of bed bugs. Moreover, the effectiveness of the result and the duration depend on how the disinfection was carried out. Therefore, the choice of organization should be approached with special attention.
Temperature control methods
The temperature dependence of the living conditions of parasites is used against them. If you think about the temperature at which bedbugs die, you need to remember the threshold above which insects can no longer develop and reproduce, and most of them die. The temperature value in this case is +45°C.
In accordance with this, methods are selected that ensure heating of the air to the specified level.
Thermal gun
This device heats the air to a temperature of +60°C. At this temperature, insects die immediately. There is no need to spend a lot of time cleaning places where pests have built their nests. Simply hold the heat gun over each one for a few seconds. This time can be increased to 30 seconds for greater reliability. The device is large and powerful enough so that treatment does not take much time. It is important to turn off the device periodically to avoid overheating of the mechanism.
Most often used in professional environments
Steam generator
This device produces hot steam. It is used to immediately kill parasites, as the air is heated to +100° C and higher, depending on the mode. It is not advisable to treat infected areas for long periods of time. The disadvantage of this method is the need for careful treatment of the area, since the nozzle is small. This leads to increased treatment time. A steam generator, like a heat gun, destroys eggs, larvae and adults.
The steam generator has a relatively small working area
Wash
Bed bugs can be removed in several ways:
- Automatic washing machine;
- Handwash.
To combat bed bugs, you must use the latter option. Hand washing will not give the desired effect. This happens because too little hot water is used. Considering that bedbugs die at a temperature of +45°C, you can wash and then soak your clothes. However, the water will quickly cool down. We recommend washing clothes at high temperature (90 degrees Celsius).
Wash at the highest possible temperature to get rid of bed bugs
Ironing
If you want to know at what temperature bed bugs (and their eggs) die, you should check the operation of various household appliances. For example, the leg of the iron is heated to the required temperature, at which the parasites begin to die, and even more so. The effectiveness of this control method is enhanced by the possibility of direct contact between insects and the heat source. When the sole of the iron presses through the woven material, the eggs die, and the larvae and adults are destroyed during the washing process.
Boiling water
This is one of the simplest methods. It is not considered safe, although it does not contain toxic ingredients. This happens because water boils at +100°C. In such an environment, eggs, larvae and adults of insects die. Death occurs immediately after contaminated objects are immersed in liquid.
The disadvantage of this option is that it cannot be used to treat the entire home.
Pest nests can be doused with boiling water. However, the most common use of hot water is to boil clothing and textiles.
Boiling water kills bedbugs at all stages of development
Ultra-violet rays
This method helps kill harmful microorganisms that often multiply in parasite nests, as it creates suitable conditions for them. In addition, exposure to direct sunlight causes contaminated items to heat up. Depending on the type of material, the temperature can rise significantly. In such conditions, parasites quickly die.
The hotter the furniture or other objects, the faster the insects die. All that remains is to throw away the dead house pests. It is important to place furniture so that the sun hits the infested areas.
Freezing
The principle of operation is the same as when heated in the sun. If furniture is exposed to frost, insects will certainly die. It is important to know at what temperature bedbugs die. For example, if it is -25°C outside, you will have to keep them outside for several hours and even the eggs will die. However, not all regions experience such low winter temperatures. If there is no severe frost in the region, you can simply keep the furniture outside for much longer - from 1 day or more.
The disadvantage of this method is that it cannot be used to exterminate bedbugs in the house. If you open all windows and doors wide in winter, the risk of frost damage to your heating system will increase.
Cold fog
The insecticide solution is sprayed using a steam generator. Cold fog is used when pests need to be eliminated quickly. Cold fog is safe for people and destroys bedbugs and their larvae within 1-2 hours.
Cold fog today is considered the most reliable method - it does not leave a single surviving parasite.
Hot air gun
This is another name for a hair dryer. The device can operate in various modes - up to +500°C. It is used periodically to prevent the mechanism from overheating. It is inferior to a heat gun because it only heats a small area.
The hot air gun has a very high operating temperature, but a small impact area
Household steam cleaner
Its main function is to produce steam. The result is the same as for any steam generator. The action of air heated to a critical temperature destroys pests in a very short time.
Bed bug eggs and larvae can also be removed using a heat steam cleaner
The drug "Chlorophos" for parasites
This is a fairly effective remedy that allows you to quickly get rid of parasites. However, it is worth considering that Chlorophos is a fairly strong poison. It is better to store the drug in a non-residential area and only in a tightly closed container. To prepare the solution, dilute the emulsion with water. In this case, one part of the drug requires 4 parts of water . The solution should be prepared only in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.
When treating premises you should use:
- Robe.
- Respirator or gauze bandage.
- Gloves.
- Protective glasses.
Smoking and eating food are strictly prohibited during processing. At the end of treatment, it is necessary to thoroughly ventilate the room. The face and hands should be washed with soap to remove any remaining solution. The container in which the product was prepared should be thrown away. The room should be treated with Chlorophos every three months, since the drug does not destroy parasite eggs.
Chlorophos can be added to ready-made wallpaper glue. This will protect the premises from infection. If the drug is used in the form of an aerosol, the room must be ventilated.
Washing temperature to kill bedbugs
Bed bugs are also known as linen bugs. They can be killed by washing clothes in a certain way. The rules are different for machine and hand washing.
Handwash
In case of hand washing:
- Pour boiling water into a bowl.
- Add powder and wash clothes.
- Cover the basin with plastic wrap to keep the laundry warm.
Machine washable
Machine washable:
- Wash at a temperature of at least 60 degrees.
- It is preferable to set the temperature to 95 degrees.
- Wash for at least 60 minutes.
After drying, go over the clothes with a steam iron.
Other means
Today, specialized stores sell many drugs that can get rid of bed bugs for a long time. It is very easy to use such products at home. Of course, when treating surfaces, you should follow the instructions, which are usually indicated on the packaging of the drug. Effective means include:
- The drug "Pyrethrum" . This powder is absolutely safe for humans. However, this remedy perfectly removes parasites. A similar preparation can be sprinkled not only on the main habitats of bed bugs, but also on their nests. The powder can be poured into hard-to-reach places and crevices.
- The drug "Tetrix" . This drug is produced in the Netherlands. This product contains a toxic substance that can get rid of parasites forever. Today, this drug is considered the most effective in the fight against domestic bedbugs. To prepare the composition for treatment, 250 milliliters of the drug and up to 8 liters of water are required. It is very difficult to find this product on the open market.
Disinfection: precautions
Before you begin treating your premises for bed bugs, you need to carefully review all your items. Experts also recommend finding in advance all infected places where there are nests and larvae of parasites.
After a thorough inspection, all linen and clothing must be removed from the room that will be processed. During processing, do not neglect personal protective equipment. Many products contain toxic components, so the room where disinfection will be carried out should be completely emptied.
Survival and mortality of adult insects
It is possible to trace the relationship between changes in environmental conditions and parasite mortality. If this is clarified, then it may be possible to avoid the use of toxic substances in treatment. It is only important to know at what temperature bedbugs die. However, this is only possible if the number of insects is small and each individual nest is found.
Graph of bedbug death rate depending on temperature
The higher the temperature, the faster the insects will die. You can eliminate more bugs at one time.
Graph of the rate of death of bedbug eggs depending on temperature
The dependence of vital functions on environmental conditions can be seen on the graph.
What grass are bedbugs afraid of?
Herbs affect bedbugs through the sense of smell in the same way as essential oils or incense, with the only difference being that they are emitted directly by the plants themselves. You can use herbs in two ways:
- Fresh.
Herbs are laid out in bunches in places where bedbugs are often seen, or cut into a salad and sprinkled with them, again, in places where
bedbugs are found
. - Dry.
Lay them out in bunches or simply leave them fresh to dry. After crushing and slightly drying the herbs, you can pour them into breathable fabric bags or tea bags and place them in strategically important places in the fight against bedbugs. Dry herbs can also be set on fire in small quantities on saucers so that the smoke spreads throughout the room, but this must be done extremely carefully so that nothing ignites from sparks - use a small amount of dry herbs at a time and avoid drafts.
Fresh herbs to combat bedbugs can be purchased in grocery stores, dried herbs can be purchased in pharmacies. Suitable:
- Rosemary
- Basil
- Thyme
- Tarragon
- Parsley
- Mint
- Valerian
- Oregano
- Ledum
- Tansy
You can only find out which grass bugs are most afraid of in your home only through experience. When using herbs, remember that, like oils, they only repel and do not kill parasites.
Recommended Links
Prevention of the appearance of bedbugs in the apartment and preventive measures to combat them
Questions and answers
People affected by bloodsuckers have questions they want answered.
Is it possible to combine methods?
It is recommended to combine several methods so that bloodsuckers do not get used to one method. Bedbugs live in different places in the house, so the approach should be different.
How to completely get rid of bedbugs using only high or low temperatures?
Killing parasites by raising or lowering the temperature depends on their stage of development. Therefore, to destroy bedbugs, eggs and larvae, it is necessary to use comprehensive measures.
Do I need to use insecticides?
Thermal procedures do not always give the desired effect. Sometimes it is necessary to use insecticides. You must handle them carefully, taking precautions to avoid poisoning. It is best if this problem is treated by a specialist.
Measures to combat bedbugs in the house
There are several ways to remove bedbugs from an apartment yourself, without contacting the sanitary and epidemiological station. For this purpose, simple and effective folk remedies, proven over the years, as well as modern insecticidal preparations are used.
In some sources you can find various conspiracies, prayers and whispers to get rid of bedbugs in the house. But the effectiveness of such methods is questionable, so when fighting blood-sucking parasites it is better to trust more effective means.
Prevention
Clean the room regularly, shake out clothes in closets, arrange books on shelves, throw away everything unnecessary and superfluous: old carpets, tapestries, etc.
After purchasing and before installing new furniture, inspect it carefully. Insects may be found on new pieces of furniture.
Turn over and inspect the mattress in your bedroom from time to time. The favorite hiding place of parasites is closer to humans (this is what bed bug bites look like).
If you have a steam generator, periodically steam clean carpets, sofas, mattresses, etc.
When returning from your trip, wash all items at 50°C or higher or have them dry cleaned. Check your suitcases carefully. They can be treated with insect repellent, steam cleaner or iron.
Washing, cleaning and impregnating used items and furniture from bloodsuckers is a must.
Why are house bugs dangerous?
These parasitic insects have many names: bedding, furniture and house . Bedbugs settle in a person's house and feed on his blood. Externally, these parasites resemble oval brown and flat bugs. They multiply very quickly in warm conditions, as well as in places where there is little fresh air and light. Nests of parasites can be found under wallpaper, behind the upholstery of sofas, in the folds of mattresses, as well as in furniture, cracks and crevices. House bugs live on average for about two years.
These insects usually go out at night to hunt. But there are times when parasites attack in daylight. Bed bugs bite not only people, but also animals. The bites of these insects are not felt. However, after some time, a blister appears at the site where the bite was made, which is very itchy. In addition, insect bites can cause allergies . But there are those who do not notice bed bug bites at all. However, these insects are very dangerous to humans.
Bed bugs spread diseases such as plague, smallpox, leprosy, anthrax and tuberculosis. Although this is theoretical data, bites are still dangerous. They cause unbearable itching, which deprives a person of normal, full sleep. In addition, a person becomes irritable and may develop allergies. Of course, bed bug bites are not fatal. However, it is worth starting the fight against uninvited guests immediately.
Expert opinions
Some professional pest control methods are based on the characteristics of bedbugs, especially their survival temperature. But it is difficult to carry out high-quality self-treatment of the premises. The survival rate of insects is very high for several reasons: technology is not followed, incorrect temperature and short exposure time.
Experienced specialists take into account many interrelated factors: the degree of infestation, the time of appearance of insects, the total area of the room and the features of the building. Of the professional steam treatments, cold and hot mist are the most effective.
In both cases, a fine mist of insecticide is sprayed by a steam generator. Hot fog has an additional destructive effect - temperature. The spectrum of action of professional steam treatment is very wide - the fog kills bedbugs, ants and cockroaches. Maximum steam saturation ensures the destruction of the entire population.
Bedbugs are afraid of too high or low temperatures. However, local steaming or partial freezing is not enough to destroy them. An integrated approach is required, which can only be provided by a professional pest control service.
The drug "Mikrofos"
This product is intended exclusively for professional treatment of premises. The product not only has a long shelf life, but also a fairly wide range of actions. "Mikrofos" ensures the death of house bugs and other parasites. The main component of this drug is chlorpyrifos. It is worth noting that the drug is odorless and safe to use, as it has a low level of toxicity. After use, the effectiveness of the product remains for six months.
Treatment of contaminated surfaces is carried out with a fresh aqueous solution of chlorpyrifos. Usually a 0.5% - 0.25% solution of the drug is prepared . The concentrate should be diluted in proportions of 1 to 20 - 40. In this case, the solution must be thoroughly stirred. The consumption of this drug is 50 grams per square meter. The solution must be applied to all surfaces in places where not only insects, but also their nests may be located. A month later, the procedure must be repeated.
