Heat Treatment of Bed Bugs | Bed Bug Biters Ohio Pennsylvania

Heat Treatment

One of the best known treatments for Bed Bugs is the use of heat. This is because the heat treatment method is both simple and effective.

Heat treatment for bed bugs works by bringing the temperature of your entire house up high enough that no bed bugs or their eggs can survive. It is extremely effective because the heat penetrates every inch of your house. Killing even the beg bugs and eggs you cannot see. You do not have to worry about finding them and which spots to treat because your entire house is being treated at one time. The bugs are incapable of escaping the all-over heat.

This treatment is best left to a professional because a special heater needs to be used and they will know how and where to put the heater so that is both safe and most efficient. There are two primary techniques used by professionals when treating bed bugs with heat. The first, is heating the house up to 140ºF and keeping it at this temperature for two hours. The second, is bringing the temperature of the house up to 130ºF for three hours. In both cases it is important for your home to be monitored by the professional to ensure all of the bugs have been killed.

Preparing For Heat Treatment

You and your pets must remain out of the home during the heat treating. This is to ensure your safety and to prevent any bugs from escaping on you. Be sure to schedule your heat treatment for a time in which it is convenient for everyone to leave the home.

You must make sure your house is prepared for the heat treatment by making sure it is air tight. This is done by caulking any cracks in the walls and any gaps around windows and doors. Before leaving for the treatment be sure to double check that all windows and doors are closed tightly.

Unplug all electronics from outlets.

Clear a path for the professionals and their equipment.

If your clothing is very tightly packed in your drawers or closets, move them to laundry baskets within the room so they are more lightly packed.

Place all foods susceptible to heat and all medications in the refrigerator.

Collect all items which are flammable or could be damaged by heat and notify the professionals before they begin the the treatment. Refer to the list below for items you may need to remove.

Items to be Removed From the Home

All Pets (including rodents, fish, reptiles, birds, ect.)
House plants
Seeds and Bulbs
Anything Flammable
Candles
Wax Figurines
Oil Paintings
CDs
Musical Instruments
Carbonated Beverages
Aerosol Cans
Pressurized Cans
Compressed Gases
Flammable or Combustible Chemicals

Advantages of Heat Treatment

Besides its effectiveness, the number one advantage to the heat treat method is how quickly it works. Some methods require you to leave your home for several days. With the heat treat method you will only need to leave your home for the 2-3 hours heating time, time required to get the house up to heat, and the additional time required for the professional to setup equipment.

Other advantage to the heat treatment method is that it is usually successful after only one treatment and there is little preparation required from the homeowner.

Disadvantages of Heat Treatment

There are very few disadvantages to treating bed bugs with the heat treatment method. The first is that the homeowner will have to leave the home for a few hours and there is a small amount of preparation required on the homeowner’s part. The second disadvantage is that this method of treatment tends to be more costly than other treatments.

Cost of Heat Treatment

Most professionals will charge a flat rate to heat treat your home for bed begs, however, some charge you an hourly rate. The cost of heat treatment varies. Some factors that influence the cost are the size of your home, the number of buildings to be treated, taxes, and possible travel fees, and others. The best way to get an accurate estimate for your situation is by requesting a quote.

Contact us today to schedule an in-home inspection.