To kill bed bugs effectively, use a combination of non-chemical and chemical methods focusing on extreme temperatures and insecticides:

• Heat treatment: Bed bugs are killed by exposure to temperatures above 115°F (46°C). Wash bedding and clothes in hot water (at least 120°F/49°C) for 30 minutes, then dry on high heat for 20-30 minutes. Steam mattresses, couches, and other furniture at temperatures above 130°F. Expose infested items to sustained heat (e.g., a hot car or specialized heat chambers) or use professional whole-room heat treatments. Heat kills all life stages including eggs.

• Cold treatment: Items can be sealed in bags and placed in a freezer at 0°F (-19°C) for at least 4 days to kill bed bugs and eggs. Household freezers must be verified for temperature accuracy.

• Insecticides: Use EPA-registered insecticides including pyrethrins, pyrethroids, pyrroles, neonicotinoids, and desiccants like silica aerogel or diatomaceous earth. Desiccants work slowly but are effective without resistance risk. Use with caution, following label safety instructions.

• Physical barriers: Use zippered, bedbug-proof mattress and box spring covers to trap and starve bed bugs. Use interceptor traps under bed legs and double-sided tape barriers to prevent movement.

• Additional tips: Avoid unsafe methods like alcohol sprays, kerosene, and bug bombs that pose health risks. Vacuum and clean regularly to remove bugs and eggs.

This multi-step approach combining heat, cold, chemical, and physical controls is the most effective strategy to fully eliminate bed bugs from your home.