Bed bugs are one of the most frustrating pests to deal with — they bite, spread easily, and are notoriously hard to kill. Many people wonder if simply turning up the thermostat can solve the problem. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Let’s explore the science behind heat treatment and whether it works for eliminating bed bugs at home.
Bed bugs die when their body temperature reaches the thermal death point, which is around 113°F (45°C). To be effective, heat must:
Simply cranking up your thermostat won’t achieve these conditions — and it can be dangerous.
Yes, technically a space heater that maintains >113°F can kill bed bugs. But placement is critical — if even a small corner remains cooler, bugs will survive. Heaters also carry significant fire risks if left unattended.
For infested clothes, shoes, or bags, a dryer on the high heat setting is effective:
Delicate fabrics may not withstand the heat, and dryers also pose fire risks if left unsupervised.
Cold or warm water won’t kill bed bugs — they survive washing machines. Only high heat from drying is effective.
Professional pest control companies use large steamers that can kill bed bugs if moved slowly enough (12 inches per 30 seconds). Handheld steamers are less effective and may scatter bugs.
Not recommended — heat won’t penetrate deep enough and could damage the mattress.
A hair dryer on high heat might kill some bugs in small zones, but airflow usually blows them away before killing them.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Best results come from combining heat with chemical treatments.
While heat can be effective against bed bugs, turning up your thermostat isn’t a safe or reliable solution. Dryers, steamers, and professional heat treatments are far more effective. For lasting results, consult a licensed pest control service to eliminate bed bugs and prevent them from coming back.