Black Bag Treatment
For items that cannot be washed or steamed, placing them in black plastic bags and leaving them in the sun can elevate temperatures that are fatal to bedbugs. The duration required to achieve lethal temperatures can vary, typically needing a day in hot climates. However, effectiveness can be limited in cooler temperatures or without direct sunlight. [3]
Freezer Treatment
Sealing infested items in plastic bags and placing them in a freezer set to 0°F (-18°C) can kill bedbugs, but it requires at least four days. This method is ideal for small items damaged by heat or unsuitable for chemical treatments.
These non-chemical strategies offer effective means to combat bedbugs while minimizing the use of insecticides. However, in cases where these approaches do not achieve complete eradication, chemical treatments may be necessary:
Insecticides
Look for EPA-registered products labeled for use against bedbugs. Options include pyrethrins, pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, and desiccants like diatomaceous earth or silica aerogel, which work by drying out the bugs. Be cautious with application, and follow label directions to protect yourself and your family. [4] [5]
