Dealing with a bed bug infestation is stressful, and many homeowners look for quick solutions to kill bed bugs. One common DIY method is using hot water to eliminate these pests. While hot water can help in certain situations, it has its limits.
This article explains why hot water isn’t always effective, how you can use it correctly, and better alternatives for getting rid of bed bugs.
Key Takeaways
- Hot water only works on washable items like clothes and linens, not hidden bed bugs in furniture.
- Killing bed bugs with hot water needs temperatures above 120°F, which some washing machines might not reach.
- Vacuuming, diatomaceous earth, and mattress covers help remove and trap bed bugs in hard-to-reach places.
- Professional pest control companies use heat treatments and steam cleaning to eliminate bed bugs at all life stages.
WHY HOT WATER IS NOT EFFECTIVE FOR KILLING BED BUGS
Using hot water as a bed bug treatment might seem like a quick fix for your problem, but it’s not always the best solution. Here are a few reasons why relying on it alone might leave you dealing with these blood-sucking pests longer than you’d like:
1. Limited to Washable Items
Using hot water only works on items you can wash, such as linens, clothes, and bedding. However, bed bugs often hide in areas like crevices of bed frames, box springs, and furniture.
Since hot water can’t reach these hiding places, it won’t eliminate the entire infestation.
2. Requires Consistently High Temperatures
To effectively kill bed bugs, you need high temperatures above 120°F. While most washing machines can reach these levels, some older models may not get hot enough.
Plus, if the load is too large, the washer might not maintain the necessary heat throughout the cycle. Without consistent high heat, they can survive at all life stages—from nymphs to adults.
3. Can’t Reach Hidden Hiding Places
Bed bugs are experts at squeezing into tight crevices and cracks, such as behind the headboard, along baseboards, and inside box springs. Since hot water can’t reach these areas, it won’t be effective for thorough bed bug control.
4. Risk of Spreading the Infestation
Transporting infested items to the laundry room can cause bed bugs to fall off and spread to other areas of your home. To prevent this, always place items in a sealed plastic bag before moving them to the washer.
HOW TO USE HOT WATER TO KILL BED BUGS
Although hot water isn’t a complete solution for a bed bug infestation, it can help when used correctly.
Follow these steps:
- Remove all linens, pillowcases, and any washable fabrics from your bed.
- Place infested items in a sealed plastic bag to prevent spreading.
- Wash items in a washing machine using the hottest setting (at least 120°F).
- Use the dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Keep washed clothes and bedding in sealed plastic bags until the bed bug problem is fully resolved.
MORE EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVES TO KILL BED BUGS
Since hot water has limitations, consider these more reliable methods for getting rid of bed bugs:
Vacuum Cleaner
A vacuum cleaner with strong suction can help remove adult bed bugs, nymphs, and eggs from baseboards, furniture, and mattresses.
Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag immediately.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that damages the outer layer of bed bugs, causing them to dehydrate and die.
Apply it around bed frames, baseboards, and other hiding places.
Mattress and Box Spring Covers
Encase your mattress and box spring in specially designed covers to trap bed bugs inside, preventing them from feeding and reproducing.
GET EXPERT BED BUG CONTROL
If you’re struggling with a bed bug infestation, washing bedding in hot water can help, but it won’t eliminate the entire problem—especially when they are hiding in crevices, bed frames, and box springs.
That’s where we come in!
At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, we offer professional bed bug extermination services that target all life stages of bed bugs, from nymphs to adults.
Our certified exterminators use advanced methods like heat treatment to raise the entire room to extreme temperatures and steam cleaning to target bed frames, box springs, and other hiding places.
Don’t let bed bug bites disrupt your sleep—contact us today and let our pest control service help you get a bed bug-free home.