According to the search results, the temperature required to kill bed bugs varies depending on the method used and the duration of exposure. Here are the key findings:

• Heat treatment: Bed bugs thrive in temperatures of 21 to 32 degrees Celsius, but they cant endure higher temperatures for long. If temperatures increase to 40 degrees Celsius, they die within 24 hours. It only takes 90 minutes to kill bed bugs at a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius. The higher the temperature, the shorter the time it takes to exterminate bed bugs. Research has shown that heating infested items to 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) will kill bed bugs, but the temperature must be maintained for a certain duration to ensure complete elimination.

• Freezing: Bed bugs are susceptible to freezing temperatures. Reducing temperatures to -17.8 degrees Celsius for 2 hours will kill all bed bug life stages. However, it takes about 8 hours for the temperature in the center of a batch of clothes to reach killing temperature. Therefore, clothes should be placed in the freezer for at least 10-12 hours. Freezing is not always effective, as bed bugs can enter hibernation mode and survive in cold temperatures for a short period of time.

• Washing: Washing clothes at 60 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes or at 40 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes will kill all bed bug life stages. However, washing alone may not be enough to eliminate an infestation.

In summary, bed bugs can be killed by exposing them to high temperatures or freezing temperatures for a certain duration. Washing clothes at high temperatures can also kill bed bugs.