Over the last several decades bed bugs have become a significant public health concern. No longer a pest of the past, they are enjoying a massive resurgence, infesting homes, hotels, and public buildings throughout the world.
Chemical treatments, once the go-to for pest control services, face certain challenges when it comes to modern bed bug infestations. On one hand these pests have built up a resistance to many of the more commonly used insecticides. In addition, many homeowners have understandable concerns about using harsh chemicals in their homes and around their families. Heat treatment offers a chemical-free alternative to traditional pest control methods. One that in the long run may be both safer and more effective.
How Do Heat Treatments Work?
Bed bugs are vulnerable to high temperatures. Specifically temps falling between 113ºF and 122ºF. Heat treatment involves raising the ambient temperature of an infested area to these lethal levels.
During a heat treatment the infested area will be heated to between 113ºF and 122ºF for several hours. Professional pest control operators use industrial heaters and fans to distribute the heat evenly throughout the infested area. They also employ temperature sensors to monitor their progress and ensure that targeted temperatures are reached and maintained throughout the process.
What are the Advantages of Heat Treatment?
Heat treatment provides a safe and effective method for the control of bed bug infestations. The process itself has some distinct advantages over more traditional pest control options:
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No Unnecessary Chemicals – One of the primary advantages of heat treatment is its chemical-free nature. This makes it an ideal option for people with concerns about the environment or reluctance to expose their family to pesticides. Heat treatment avoids any potential health risks associated with using industrial grade pesticides in living areas.
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Comprehensive and Immediate Results – Heat treatment targets bed bugs at all stages of their life cycle. Chemical treatments often require multiple applications to eradicate a bed bug population. Heat treatment, when handled correctly, can eradicate bed bugs in a single session. This is critical to not only eliminating the infestation but also relieving the psychological stress associated with bed bugs in the home.
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Bypasses Resistance – Over the years bed bugs have developed a resistance to some of the more commonly used pesticides. But bed bugs can’t develop a resistance to lethal temperatures. This makes it a welcome and reliable option in eliminating infestations.
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Total Penetration – Heat can penetrate into the cracks and crevices where bed bugs like to hide. These areas are difficult to reach with chemical sprays, allowing for the survival of some bed bugs and the regeneration of the infestation itself. With heat treatment bed bugs can’t escape by hiding in remote or inaccessible areas of the home.
How Effective is Heat Treatment?
Heat treatment isn’t a new idea. It was first introduced in the 1980s for general pest control and was soon applied to bed bug management. Since the late 1990s field studies have proven the overall effectiveness of heat treatment in eliminating bed bug infestations. When performed correctly heat treatment has an impressive success rate.
The key is achieving and maintaining the critical temperature range for the necessary duration. Studies have shown that exposure to temperature of 113F or above for at least an hour can be lethal to bed bugs and their eggs. In practice, professional pest control services have reported success rates of 95% or better with heat treatments.
Practical Considerations
There are practical considerations with all pest control methods, and that holds true for heat treatments. Some points to consider when choosing heat treatments to manage a growing bed bug infestation include:
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Professional Operators – Always choose a professional pest control and bed bug removal expert to handle any bed bug related heat treatment. Proper training and equipment are essential to ensure that the treatment is performed safely and effectively.
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Preliminary Inspections – A preliminary inspection prior to treatment helps to identify the extent of the infestation. This makes it easier for your bed bug removal experts to plan and execute an effective treatment process.
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Follow Up – Regular inspections are suggested following any treatment for bed bugs. Learning how to avoid bringing bed bugs into the home to prevent further infestations is also recommended.
Heat treatment is a highly effective method for eliminating bed bug infestations in homes, businesses, and public buildings. It is a chemical-free alternative that targets bed bugs at all stages of their development. With careful preparation and proper execution heat treatment offers a safe and effective way to rid your home, and your family, of the nightmare that is a full scale bed bug infestation.
Published by Scott Palatnik
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