Do Bed Bugs Die in the Dryer? Does It Really Work?

If you are dealing with a bed bug infestation, you have probably heard that heat is a reliable way to kill them. But do bed bugs die in the dryer?

The answer is a strong yes, but only if certain conditions are met. Dryers can be an effective, chemical-free way to eliminate bed bugs and their eggs when used properly.

In this article, we will break down exactly how a dryer kills bed bugs, what temperatures are needed, how long to run your dryer, and key tips to ensure no creepy crawlers survive the heat.

 

Do Bed Bugs Die in the Dryer?

Do bed bugs die in the dryer? Yes, bed bugs die in the dryer, including their eggs and nymphs, when exposed to high heat for a long enough time.

Most dryers, when set to the highest heat setting, can reach temperatures of around 120°F to 140°F (49°C to 60°C), which is sufficient to kill bed bugs.

The lethal temperature for bed bugs is about 118°F (48°C) sustained for 90 minutes or 122°F (50°C) for just 30 minutes.

A dryer on high heat easily exceeds those limits, making it a powerful tool in your pest control arsenal. You can purchase the dryer on Amazon.

 

Read also: Can Bed Bugs Live On Air Mattresses? What You Must Know

 

How the Dryer Kills Bed Bugs

When you toss infested clothes, bedding, or soft items into a dryer and run it on high heat, the following happens:

• Bed bugs absorb heat rapidly through their small exoskeletons
• Internal proteins denature, and vital systems shut down
• Eggs dry out and can no longer develop or hatch

This process is 100% natural; no pesticides are needed, and it is ideal for treating washable infested items.

 

How Long Should You Run the Dryer?

To kill bed bugs effectively, you should run the dryer on high heat for at least 30–40 minutes. Here is a quick guide:

• Low Heat: Not recommended as it may not reach lethal temperatures
• Medium Heat: May require 60–90 minutes to ensure effectiveness
• High Heat: 30 minutes minimum; 40–50 minutes for thicker items

Always ensure items tumble freely, and do not overload the dryer to allow for even heat distribution.

 

What Items Can Be Treated in a Dryer?

Many household items can be safely treated in the dryer to kill bed bugs, such as the following:

• Clothing
• Bedding (sheets, pillowcases, blankets)
• Towels
• Stuffed animals
• Curtains (if dryer-safe)
• Shoes (check care label)

For delicate items, consider placing them in a dryer-safe mesh bag or pillowcase to protect them from damage during the cycle.

 

Precautions to Take Before Drying

To make the most of using your dryer as a pest-killing machine, follow these precautions:

• Do not overcrowd; air and heat must circulate freely
• Dry only heat-safe materials; check care labels
• Clean the lint trap afterward to remove any insect remains
• Immediately place cleaned items into sealed plastic bags to prevent re-infestation

 

What About Washing First?

While washing clothes in hot water can help kill bed bugs, the dryer is the real killer. Washing alone may not reach the consistently high temperatures needed to destroy eggs.

The best method we would advise is the following:

1. Wash items on the hottest water setting (if safe)
2. Immediately transfer to the dryer and dry on high for 40–60 minutes

This two-step process guarantees the best results against all life stages of bed bugs.

 

Can Bed Bugs Survive the Dryer?

Bed bugs can survive a dryer cycle if:

• The heat setting is too low
• The drying time is too short
• The dryer is overloaded, preventing even heat exposure

That is why it is crucial to follow proper drying guidelines to ensure complete eradication.

 

Read also: Do Bed Bugs Jump Like Fleas? Key Differences From Fleas

 

What to Do After Drying

Once you have treated your items in the dryer, take these steps to keep them safe:

• Store in sealed plastic bags or containers until the infestation is controlled
• Vacuum and steam your home regularly to treat other areas bed bugs may hide
• Use interceptors or traps on bed legs and furniture
• Continue heat or professional treatment for non-washable items like mattresses and furniture

 

FAQs: Do Bed Bugs Die in the Dryer?

Can All Dryers Kill Bed Bugs?

Only dryers that reach high heat (above 120°F) can effectively kill bed bugs and their eggs. Always use the highest heat setting.

Will 20 Minutes In the Dryer Kill Bed Bugs?

Possibly, but 30–40 minutes is safer to ensure heat penetrates fully and reaches lethal temperatures for eggs and nymphs.

Can I Use the Dryer Without Washing First?

Yes, but washing helps remove debris and improves the effectiveness of the dryer in killing pests.

What’s the Best Dryer Temperature To Kill Bed Bugs?

Above 122°F (50°C) is ideal. Most home dryers on high heat exceed this temperature.

Can I Kill Bed Bugs in Shoes or Backpacks?

If the item is dryer-safe, yes! Otherwise, consider placing it in a sealed bag and exposing it to heat in other ways (like steam or a heater box).

 

Read also: Can Bed Bugs Survive In A Dryer?: The Adult Bed Bug’s Immunity

 

Conclusion

So, do bed bugs die in the dryer? Absolutely, when exposed to high heat for a sufficient amount of time. Drying infested items is one of the easiest and most effective DIY methods to kill bed bugs and their eggs.

Just remember this: use the highest heat setting, allow items to tumble freely for at least 30–40 minutes, and do not reintroduce clean items into contaminated spaces.

With the right approach, your dryer can be a powerful weapon in winning the war against bed bugs. Thank you for reading!

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