Bed bugs are annoying pests that can cause many health issues and stress. It’s imperative to get rid of these insects as quickly as possible.
However, when you start looking for solutions, you will soon find out that there are multiple ways to deal with bed bugs. Some common options include chemical treatments, pesticides, desiccant, bug bombs and foggers, and heat treatments.
Bed bugs are resistant insects and can withstand various substances. This is why heat treatments are becoming a preferred method. Today, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about heat treatments and how they can help you get rid of these pests forever.
What Are Bed Bug Heat Treatments?
Heat treatment is a professional pest management service. It involves professionals bringing special equipment into your home to heat up the temperature in infected rooms and use it to kill all the bed bugs. This treatment can also be used to kill bacteria, and infectious diseases such as the Coronavirus.
When the temperature is raised to about 120°F, bed bugs and their eggs will perish. This heat will need to remain consistent for at least 90 minutes, although some heat treatments will last longer than 90 minutes, depending on how big the infestation is.
The person in charge of the treatment will remove all the sensitive items to ensure they aren’t damaged during the process. The area which is treated will not be damaged in any way after the treatment.
How Effective Are Bed Bug Heat Treatments?
Many lab studies are showing that various species of insects die at certain temperatures when exposed for some time. Insects are made mostly out of protein, and its DNA regulates their body functions.
When their cells are heated up to lethal temperatures, their DNA breaks down, and cells stop functioning properly. However, to eradicate them, it’s necessary to expose them to 122°F for at least 90 minutes.
To increase the effectiveness of the procedure, pest control professionals will often raise temperatures higher to ensure thorough cleaning. This is why a single treatment lasts for a more extended period. All of the crevices, fixtures, and secluded areas in which the bugs are hiding need to be thoroughly heated up for the bugs to die. These are referred to as “cold spots,” and they must be heated up properly for the procedure to work.
Dealing with Cold Spots
Cold spots are one of the most significant issues of the heat treatment method. These spots refer to those areas that won’t get heated up that easily as they are insulated in some way, or the heat won’t penetrate them.
This is why it’s not enough to heat the air in some apartments, rooms, or buildings. Some of the insects might be on the surface, in clothing, sheets, or on the floor.
However, most of them and their eggs will be hidden throughout these insulated areas. So, apart from heating up the room and the air in it, it’s also essential to measure the temperature of objects because bed bugs can hide in some surprising places.
These contents where the bed bugs are hiding also need to be heated up properly. With this kind of well-rounded approach, the results are highly effective.
How to Prepare Your Home for Bed Bug Treatment
Bed bug heat treatment is an intense process that requires preparation on your part. You don’t want your furniture, clothing, and other items in your house to get damaged or remain infested after the treatment.
Leave Everything the Way it is
All of your furniture, mattresses, clothes, and other items that are commonly infested should remain where they are.
If you move them around, you might spread the infestation or save bed bugs that are living within these items. Don’t move anything out of your home as you never know how much the outbreak has spread.
Remove Items That Could Explode or Melt
Some items won’t withstand the intense temperature caused by the treatment. They could pollute your home, leave damages, or even create a fire. Store them in garbage bags together so that they can be treated separately in a safe manner.
Here are some of the items that should be removed:
- Anything vinyl
- Flammable chemicals
- Lighters
- Adhesive substances
- Paints
- Any ammunition of firearms
- Vegetables, fruits, and other fresh food (place them in the fridge)
- Medication
- Cosmetics and makeup products
These are just some of the items you should remove. When contacting a pest control company, make sure to ask them for a list of all items that should be removed.
Plants and Pets Need to be Moved Out
Potted plants, aquariums, dogs/cats (learn how pets are affected by bed bugs here), and any other living creature needs to be moved out. All of the occupants in your home also need to remain outside while the treatment is ongoing.
On the Day of Treatment
Make sure to vacuum your entire home and clear all of the common areas. Throw out any unsanitary items, pet waste, thrash, or spoiled food. Vacuum the whole place and empty the vacuum bag. Secure all of the items that might fall over easily.
Costs of Heat Treatment
Bed bug heat treatment is expensive. If you find a company that will do it for far less than others, be wary. Chances are they won’t do the best job. This means you will have to go through multiple treatments, and you don’t need that.
Professional heat treatment requires expensive equipment and expertise. The process needs to be thorough, and this means spending a lot of energy. Experienced professionals that know what they are doing will heat the air, ceilings, furniture, walls, and floors.
All of this requires large and powerful heaters that need to stay in operation for several hours. If the company is using regular fan heaters, chances are they won’t get the job done. Of course, companies charge differently, but you can’t expect significantly lower costs if you want satisfying results. If you’re worried about the costs of treatment, make sure to determine whether you’re eligible to receive compensation for your bed bug infestation.
Consider Pursuing a Legal Case
Bed bugs can cause you a lot of pain, reduce the quality of your life, and cost you a lot of money. In case you got the infestation while staying at a hotel, consider pursuing legal action. Contact Bed Bug Injury Law and tell us about your situation. We may be able to tell you more about your options and whether there is room for legal action!
