At what temperature in Fahrenheit will all insect life stages be killed?

The correct answer is around 120 degrees Fahrenheit, as exposure to this temperature range is generally lethal to all life stages of insects. Insects are ectothermic organisms, meaning their physiological processes are strongly influenced by environmental temperatures. When temperatures rise to around 120 degrees, it can lead to a breakdown of critical biological processes, which ultimately results in the death of the insects.

Research indicates that various life stages of insects—including eggs, larvae, and adults—cannot survive prolonged exposure to such high temperatures. Temperatures exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit can disrupt protein structures and enzyme functions crucial for insect survival. In practical pest control, achieving temperatures close to this threshold can effectively eradicate infestations.

The other options are significantly lower than what is scientifically established as lethal. For instance, 100 degrees Fahrenheit may be uncomfortable for many insects but is not sufficient to cause widespread mortality. Similarly, 110 degrees is still below the critical threshold necessary for effective pest control. Even 130 degrees, while potentially lethal, is not considered the most efficient benchmark in pest management practices where approximately 120 degrees remains widely recognized as the effective lethality point for insect life.