How Hot is a Bed Bug Heat Treatment?
A bed bug heat treatment is a method of killing bed bugs by heating the affected area. Depending on the temperature, it may be effective to kill all stages of the life cycle, including eggs and adults. Depending on the temperature, exposure times may range from seven to fifteen minutes. It is important to note that while heat is a powerful insecticide, it also has some drawbacks. For example, high temperatures can harm the occupants of a room.
A bed bug heat treatment entails the use of professional heating equipment to heat up the room. The temperature should be around 118 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature kills adult bed bugs and their eggs. While they are resistant to chemical treatments, heat treatments are effective against these creatures. A bed bug heat treatment usually takes six to eight hours to complete.
Different rooms in a home can be treated at different temperatures. For example, a high-end room can be treated with low heat, while a bedroom with a large infestation should receive a medium-level treatment. If the infestation is particularly severe, a high-heat treatment can be effective. The temperature will be regulated by sensors in the room. This way, the heat can be ducted into the infested mattress and box spring. However, this process is not recommended for homeowners to do themselves because it is dangerous for the health of the household and can cause fire.
The process of applying heat to a bed bug infestation is effective in killing the bugs. Heat treatments do not leave any chemical residues and are discreet, as they are not visible from the street. A heat treatment may require you to remove upholstered furniture and certain items in the home. It is also important to keep pets and other heat-sensitive items out of the area, as these can become infested very quickly.