Professional pest control experts have a variety of methods for dealing with bed bug infestations. There’s the standard chemical attacks, including liquid and aerosol insecticide sprays as well as insecticide dusting. Some exterminators may use steam treatments or pressurized carbon dioxide ‘snow’ to eliminate the pests. But by far the most popular and effective method for dealing with bed bugs is integrated heat treatment.
Heat has become many exterminators’ go-to weapon in the battle against bed bugs. It’s safe and effective, leaves no dangerous chemical residue, and reaches bed bugs in the most remote hiding places.
Killing Bed Bugs with Heat
Killing bed bugs with heat works by raising the ambient temperature in a home, office or other commercial building to between 120° and 140° F. At these temperatures bed bugs (along with bed bug nymphs and eggs) can be safely eradicated provided they’re given direct and prolonged exposure to these lethal temperatures.
Eliminating bed bug infestations with heat treatment has become the preferred method of battling these blood-sucking pests. Not only is the process safe and effective it’s also more reliable than the more common chemical treatments with which people may be more familiar. Heat can reach deep into a bed bug’s hiding places. Far beyond the reach of standard chemical sprays and dusts.
Heat vs Other Treatment Methods
Of course, heat treatment is not the only method of bed bug eradication. But its popularity with exterminators and their clients is easy to understand. Heat treatment is typically the best option for the treatment of homes and offices. Particularly when compared with the more common alternatives.
Insecticides have long been a popular method of pest eradication. Either in spray or powdered form insecticides are highly effective when treating small areas for bed bugs and other pests. However, they generally require several repeat applications to achieve the best results and they are limited in their reach. Basically, if the insecticide doesn’t reach the pest or its nest it can’t do its job.
Relying on insecticides for bed bug eradication can also be more personally disruptive than heat treatment. Chemical insecticides take a long time to reach full effectiveness. They also contain toxic compounds. The combination of time and toxins means that people and pets must be stay away from their homes for at least 24 hours. Sometimes longer depending on the size of the infestation. Then, of course, there is the clean up to be considered. Chemical sprays and powders leave residue that must be fully cleaned up before people can safely return to their homes of offices.
Under most circumstances heat is the most convenient and effective method of dealing with bed bugs.
The Benefits of Integrated Heat Treatment for Bed Bugs
There are a number of distinct benefits that come with choosing heat treatment over other methods of bed bug removal. For example:
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Heat methods typically only require a single treatment. More often than not chemical treatments need more than one visit to the home or office.
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Heat treatments are not only more effective they are more efficient. Your exterminator can typically complete the job and have you back in your home or office on the same day.
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Minimal clean-up. Chemical treatments often leave toxic residues. These need to be thoroughly cleaned and removed before it is safe for family and pets to return to the home.
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Heat reaches areas of the home that other methods don’t. Heat treatment can penetrate bookshelves, walls, flooring, baseboards, etc. Sprays and powders can reach these areas, making it probably that some bed bugs will survive to rebuild the colony.
What You Need to Know About Heat Treatment for Bed Bugs
When you schedule an appointment with a bed bug removal service you will be given a basic rundown of what to expect from, and how to prepare for, an upcoming heat treatment. Your home or office will have to be vacated before treatment can begin. Treatment is typically completed within a single day with occupants being able to return to the premises on the same day as the treatment.
Heat treatment is effective because of the consistent high temperatures that are maintained throughout the process. Naturally, this means that some items will have to be removed from the building. Your pest control professional will give you a detailed list of items that must be removed from your home or office during the treatment.
A quick glance at the following sample of vulnerable items will give you an idea of what you may have to remove prior to treatment for bed bugs:
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Pressurized cylinders (aerosol cans, fire extinguishers, oxygen cylinder, etc)
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Firearms and ammunition
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Flammable chemicals (paints, adhesives, lighter fluid, etc)
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Vinyl records, audio and video tapes, computer software discs, CDs DVDs & Blu-Rays
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Bottled alcohol
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Vitamins and medications
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Wax and vinyl based household items (cosmetics, crayons, candles, furniture coverings, etc)
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Fresh fruits and vegetables, chocolate, carbonated beverages (these can often be stored in the refrigerator during treatment)
For any heat treatment to be effective and trouble free make sure to follow your professional removal service’s instruction to the letter.
Schedule an Inspection Today
When a bed bug infestation is suspected time becomes a critical factor. If you suspect you have a growing bed bug problem contact a professional bed bug inspection and removal service at your earliest opportunity. The sooner you act the sooner the problem can be handled effectively with a minimal disruption to your schedule.
Published by Scott Palatnik
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