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Bed bugs are tiny, wingless insects that feed on the blood of animals or humans. They are often found in homes, hotels, and other places where people sleep. However, bed bugs can also infest cars if they are given the chance. If you have bed bugs in your car, you might be wondering how long they can survive in a hot car. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question in detail.
How Hot Does a Car Need to Be to Kill Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs do not have a high tolerance for heat. Research has shown that they will begin to die when exposed to temperatures of 113°F (45°C) or higher. However, it’s important to note that different life stages of bed bugs have different heat tolerance levels. Adult bed bugs can survive in temperatures up to 122°F (50°C), while eggs and nymphs can only tolerate temperatures up to 117°F (47°C).
How Long Can Bed Bugs Survive in a Hot Car?
The answer to this question depends on a few different factors, such as the temperature inside the car, the length of time the car is exposed to heat, and how well the bed bugs are able to hide or seek shelter from the heat. In general, bed bugs will not be able to survive in a car for very long if the temperatures are hot enough.
If the car is parked in direct sunlight on a hot day, the interior temperature can quickly rise to over 100°F (38°C) within just a few minutes. At this temperature, adult bed bugs will begin to die within 20 minutes to half an hour. Nymphs and eggs will take a little longer to die at this temperature, but they usually cannot survive for more than an hour.
If the car is parked in a shaded area, the temperature inside the car will not rise as quickly. However, if the outside temperature is still hot enough (over 100°F or 38°C), the interior of the car will eventually heat up enough to kill the bed bugs. This process may take longer, but it will still be effective if the car is left in the heat for several hours.
What If the Car is Not Hot Enough to Kill the Bed Bugs?
If the car is not hot enough to kill the bed bugs, they will continue to survive and reproduce. Bed bugs are resilient insects that can survive in a variety of environments, including cars. They can go without feeding for several months, so it is possible for them to survive in a car for an extended period of time.
If you suspect that you have bed bugs in your car, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. You can try to expose the car to heat by parking it in direct sunlight on a hot day or using a heating pad inside the car. However, these methods may not be effective if the temperature inside the car does not reach the necessary level.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in a Car
If you have bed bugs in your car, it’s important to take steps to get rid of them as soon as possible. Here are some tips:
- Clean and vacuum the car thoroughly, paying special attention to areas where bed bugs may hide, such as the seams of the seats and the carpeting.
- Use a bed bug spray or powder to treat any areas where bed bugs are suspected to be hiding.
- Wash any clothing, bedding, or other fabric items that may have come into contact with the bed bugs.
- Consider hiring a professional exterminator to treat the car if the infestation is severe.
Conclusion
Bed bugs are a pesky problem that can infest cars as well as homes and hotels. It’s important to take steps to prevent bed bugs from infesting your car, such as regularly cleaning and vacuuming the car and inspecting it for signs of bed bugs. If you do find bed bugs in your car, exposing the car to heat can be an effective way to get rid of them.
