As a renter, one of my biggest fears is bed bugs. I know firsthand how hard it can be to get rid of these pesky pests. In this article, I’ll share with you the answer to the question “How long in dryer to kill bed bugs?” so that you can confidently tackle bed bugs in your own home.
What are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, brownish, flattened insects that feed solely on the blood of animals. They are wingless, oval-shaped, and around 4–5 mm long, making them difficult to spot. Bed bugs are nocturnal, coming out at night to feed on the blood of humans and animals.
- Bed bugs are small, brownish, flattened insects.
- They are wingless, oval-shaped, and around 4–5 mm long.
- Bed bugs are nocturnal, coming out at night to feed on the blood of humans and animals.
- They feed solely on the blood of animals.
Do Bed Bugs Die in the Dryer?
- Bed bugs can be killed by high heat, which is why a hot dryer cycle is a good way to kill them.
- A dryer set to high heat can kill bed bugs in all life stages, including eggs.
- Bed bugs are killed by temperatures of at least 113°F (45°C).
- Dryers can reach temperatures of up to 140°F (60°C), which is hot enough to kill bed bugs.
- It is important to set the dryer to the highest temperature setting for at least 30 minutes to ensure that all bed bugs and eggs are killed.
- It is important to dry the items on the hottest setting for at least 30 minutes, as lower temperatures may not be sufficient to kill bed bugs.
- It is also important to note that not all dryers get hot enough to kill bed bugs, so it is important to check the temperature of the dryer before using it.
How Long Does it Take to Kill Bed Bugs in the Dryer?
The dryer is one of the most effective ways to kill bed bugs. The high temperature of the dryer can eliminate bed bugs in a single cycle. To know how long it will take to kill bed bugs in the dryer, the following table can be used as a guide.
| Temperature | Time Needed to Kill Bed Bugs |
|---|---|
| 120°F | 30 minutes |
| 130°F | 20 minutes |
| 140°F | 10 minutes |
| 150°F | 5 minutes |
| 160°F | 1 minute |
From the table, it can be seen that the higher the temperature, the shorter the time needed to kill bed bugs. The minimum temperature for killing bed bugs is 120°F, but this will take up to 30 minutes to achieve. For a more effective result, temperatures of 160°F and above are recommended, which will take only 1 minute to kill the bed bugs.
Factors that Affect Killing Bed Bugs in the Dryer
I need to consider three factors when using a dryer to kill bed bugs – temperature, dryer cycle and amount of clothes.
Temperature
The dryer needs to reach a temperature of at least 113°F (45°C) to kill bed bugs and their eggs. This temperature is usually reached on the ‘high heat’ setting.
Dryer Cycle
The clothes need to remain in the dryer for a minimum of 30 minutes to ensure that the bed bugs and their eggs are killed.
Amount of Clothes
It’s important to ensure that the clothes are spread out in the dryer so that the hot air can circulate evenly. If the clothes are packed in too tightly, the dryer won’t be able to reach the required temperature and the bed bugs won’t be killed.
Other Ways to Kill Bed Bugs
I have used the dryer to kill bed bugs, but that’s not the only way. There are other options to consider.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Heat Treatment | Using a professional-grade heater, the temperature of a room can be raised to a high enough level that it kills bed bugs. |
| Steam Cleaning | Using a steam cleaner can help to kill bed bugs. The steam will penetrate into the cracks and crevices of furniture and bedding, killing any bugs hiding there. |
| Vacuuming | Vacuuming is an effective way to suck up bed bugs and their eggs. Vacuuming should be done regularly and the vacuum bag disposed of after each use. |
| Insecticides | Insecticides are a popular way to kill bed bugs. They come in many forms, including sprays, baits, and dusts. They can be purchased at most hardware stores. |
These are just some of the methods I have used or know of to kill bed bugs. It is important to make sure that whatever method you use is safe and effective.
Do’s & Don’ts for Killing Bed Bugs
- Do inspect your home thoroughly for any signs of bed bugs.
- Do vacuum and steam clean all surfaces, including furniture, mattresses, box springs, and carpets.
- Do use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to pick up any bed bugs and eggs.
- Do use a hot dryer to heat treat bedding, clothing, and other fabrics that can be washed in hot water.
- Do use a higher temperature setting when washing items in hot water.
- Do use a higher temperature setting when drying items in a hot dryer.
- Do keep the items in the dryer for at least 30 minutes to ensure all bed bugs are killed.
- Do use a mattress encasement to keep bed bugs from entering or exiting the mattress.
- Do use a mattress encasement to trap any bed bugs already in the mattress.
- Do discard any infested furniture or items that cannot be thoroughly cleaned.
- Don’t use a lower temperature setting when washing items in hot water.
- Don’t use a lower temperature setting when drying items in a hot dryer.
- Don’t keep the items in the dryer for less than 30 minutes.
- Don’t use a regular vacuum to pick up any bed bugs and eggs.
Conclusion
- Heat is the most effective way to kill bed bugs, and a dryer is an effective way to generate heat.
- A dryer should be set to the highest temperature setting and the bedding should remain in the dryer for at least 30 minutes.
- Regular laundering of bedding and other items is an effective way to reduce the number of bed bugs in a home.
- Using a dryer to kill bed bugs is a good way to supplement other bed bug control measures such as using insecticides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the dryer to kill bed bugs?
The amount of time it takes for the dryer to kill bed bugs depends on different factors such as the temperature of the dryer, the number of bed bugs, and the amount of time the bed bugs are in the dryer. Generally, bed bugs are killed in temperatures over 120°F. A dryer set to its highest heat setting should reach and maintain this temperature, killing bed bugs in 10-20 minutes. It is important to note that the dryer must be set to its highest heat setting and the bed bug-infested items must be left in the dryer for at least 30 minutes to ensure the bed bugs are killed.
Can washing clothes help to get rid of bed bugs?
Washing clothes can help reduce the bed bug infestation, as the washing machine’s agitation and hot water can kill some of the bed bugs. However, it is important to note that washing alone will not get rid of all bed bugs, as some may survive the washing machine. Therefore, it is important to also use a high heat drying cycle to get rid of the remaining bed bugs.
What temperature should the dryer be set to for killing bed bugs?
Bed bugs require a temperature of at least 120°F (49°C) to be killed. To ensure that all bed bugs and eggs are killed, the dryer should be set to the highest temperature setting possible. It is also recommended to keep the items in the dryer for a minimum of 20 minutes.
Is there any other way to get rid of bed bugs?
Yes, there are several methods to get rid of bed bugs. These include vacuuming, steam cleaning, applying insecticides, and freezing. Vacuuming can help remove bed bugs and their eggs from carpets and other fabrics. Applying insecticides can help kill bed bugs, though insecticides should always be used with caution. Steam cleaning can help kill bed bugs and their eggs, but it can also damage fabrics. Freezing can also be used to kill bed bugs, though it is not a recommended method.
Does running the dryer for a long time guarantee the elimination of bed bugs?
No, running the dryer for a long time does not guarantee the elimination of bed bugs. Dryers are effective when it comes to killing bed bugs, but the temperature should reach a minimum of 120°F (49°C) to ensure their death. Depending on the size and weight of the items, it may take up to 30 minutes to reach this temperature. Additionally, it is important to dry the items on the highest heat setting.
Conclusion
I have concluded that the best way to kill bed bugs is to place them in the dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes. This method is not only effective but also safe and cost-effective. I would suggest doing this regularly to ensure the bed bugs are completely eradicated. It is also important to keep the area clean and vacuum regularly to prevent a recurrence of the infestation.
