Yes but there’s a bit more to it than just pushing a few buttons and hoping for the best.
Bed bugs are a pesky problem that many homeowners have to face at some point but luckily dryers can be a helpful tool in getting rid of them.
Heat Vs.
Bed Bugs
The main thing to remember when it comes to using a dryer to kill bed bugs is that heat is your friend.
Bed bugs are very sensitive to high temperatures so if you crank up the heat and keep it there for a long enough time you’ll likely be able to get rid of them.
Bed Bug Life Cycle
Before you get started it’s important to understand the life cycle of a bed bug.
Bed bugs have three main stages of development: egg nymph and adult.
Each stage has different temperature thresholds that they can tolerate so it’s important to make sure that you reach the right temperature for each stage in order to be effective.
Temperature Requirements
For eggs you’ll want to get the temperature up to at least 115°F (46°C).
For nymphs you’ll need to get it up to at least 118°F (48°C).
For adults you’ll need to get it up to at least 122°F (50°C).
Time Requirements
The other important consideration is time.
To make sure that the heat penetrates deep enough to kill bed bugs you’ll need to keep it at the right temperature for at least 30 minutes.
Best Practices
When using a dryer to kill bed bugs there are a few best practices that you should follow.
First make sure that you’re using a high-heat setting.
Second make sure that you keep the dryer running for at least 30 minutes.
Third make sure that you’re using a large enough load of laundry to ensure that the heat is evenly distributed.
And finally make sure that you check the temperature every 15 minutes or so to ensure that it’s staying at the right level.
Do Bed Bugs Survive in Dryers?
The short answer is yes bed bugs can survive in dryers.
They are resilient creatures able to survive in a variety of environments.
In fact according to some experts bed bugs can survive in temperatures up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 90 minutes.
Can Dryers Kill Bed Bugs?
The answer is not as straightforward as it might seem.
While the temperature of a dryer can certainly kill bed bugs there is no guarantee that all of the bugs will be eradicated.
It depends on the particular dryer the temperature of the dryer how long the items are in the dryer and the size and age of the bed bugs.
How Long Does it Take to Kill Bed Bugs with a Dryer?
The amount of time it takes to kill bed bugs with a dryer is highly dependent on the temperature of the dryer and the size of the bed bug.
Generally the hotter the dryer is set the faster the bugs will die.
Experts suggest setting the dryer to the highest temperature possible and running the items for at least 30 minutes.
Are Dryers Effective Against Bed Bugs?
Though dryers may have some efficacy against bed bugs they should not be relied upon as the sole method for eradicating them.
Bed bug infestations should be treated by a professional pest control service that has experience in treating bed bug infestations.
Conclusion
So to answer the question: do dryers kill bed bugs? Yes they can.
However it’s important to remember that there are certain temperature and time requirements that need to be met in order for the heat to penetrate deep enough to be effective.
If you follow the best practices outlined above you should be able to get rid of those pesky bed bugs in no time.