Bed bugs have been described as resilient pests because of their resistance and ability to hide in the smallest cracks and crevices. In this case, pesticides are usually ineffective because they are applied the conventional way; bed bugs easily become resistant and avoid such treatment. Heat treatment is one of the best measures to eliminate these unwanted pests, killing the bugs at all stages of their life cycle, including eggs, through very high temperatures. In this guide, we shall explain how heat treatment works, its pros and cons, and what to expect during the process.
How Does Heat Treatment Work?
Bed bugs and eggs die when exposed to given temperatures for required durations. Adults die at 113°F (45°C) after 90 minutes and within 20 minutes at 118°F (48°C). Five minutes of exposure at 118°F is also sufficient to kill bed bug eggs completely.
Precautions and Stage-Wise Process Details of Heat Treatment
- Prepare the Space: Clear the area of clutter and evacuate sensitive objects that could easily be harmed by heat, such as wax items, electronics, or plants. Unplug all electronics and ensure proper ventilation for heat circulation.
- Use Industrial Heaters: Raise the ambient temperature of the entire house or room. The goal is to achieve and maintain an average temperature of 140°F to 145°F for 6-9 hours, ensuring saturation of all areas, including inaccessible spots like inside walls and under furniture.
- Temperature Monitoring: The entire space must be heated up to at least 118°F. Monitoring devices are used to ensure heat is circulated evenly. Avoid pockets of cooler air, as bed bugs can survive there.
- Use Fans: High-velocity fans help circulate heated air efficiently, ensuring the treatment reaches every nook and corner.
Benefits of Heat Treatment
- Chemical-Free: No pesticides are applied, making it nontoxic to humans and pets.
- High Success Rate: When properly applied, heat treatment eliminates bed bugs at all stages of their life cycle.
- Reaches Hiding Places: Heat penetrates cracks, crevices, and walls where bed bugs often hide.
Disadvantages of Heat Treatment
- Expensive: Whole-house treatments can be very costly.
- Long Process: It takes several hours and requires vacating the home.
- No Prevention: Heat treatment does not prevent future infestations.
Types of Heat Treatments
- Whole-House Treatment: Heaters raise the temperature of the entire house, preventing bed bugs from finding cooler areas to escape.
- Room-Specific Treatment: Only certain rooms are treated, increasing the risk that bed bugs may move to unprotected spaces.
- Treatment of Infested Items: Items like luggage, clothing, and bedding can be treated with heat chambers or steam cleaners.
Pre-Treatment Preparation for Heat Treatment
- Beds: Deflate air beds and move them away from walls. Remove all bedding.
- Clothing: Organise clothes in drawers. Remove items from closets and drawers to ensure heat reaches every corner.
- Storage Boxes: Bring out and open stored boxes and trunks to allow heat to reach all sides.
Post-Treatment Care:
- Periodic Inspections: They should be inspected periodically in the areas that are liable to re-infestation to identify any signs of re-infestation in time.
- Seal all ports: Sealing gaps and cracks across walls, floors, and windows.
- Maintain the Cleanliness:Ensure the surrounding areas are clean. Clear clutter and ensure that food stocks are kept to a minimum, especially items which attract pests.
- Preventive Treatments: Use nontoxic barriers or pesticide repellents as an added layer of protection.
- Approach Professionals: You may want to schedule a follow-up treatment or consultation with pest control professionals to help ensure the pests are completely eradicated.
This is one of the best methods for eradicating bed bugs as it heats through every hidden space in your house. Since bed bugs are killed at the temperatures used in this method, full eradication of bugs and eggs is only achieved if the treatment is properly administered. Proper preparation and post-treatment monitoring are required to avoid reinfestation. Although more expensive and preparation-intensive, the fact that heat treatment is chemical-free and can often provide a one-time solution means it is the most effective long-term technique for control. Most of the time, all you need to reclaim your home from bed bugs is to consult with a professional heat treatment company.