What is heat treatment?

Heat treatment for bed bugs works by killing the bed bugs and their eggs with heat. The heaters raise the temperature of the ambient room to about 49° – 57°C (120° – 135°F), which stops bed bugs in their tracks.

Bat bugs, closely related to bed bugs, primarily feed on bat blood but can survive and even thrive in environments without their primary host. In the absence of bats, bat bugs may turn to feed on human blood, displaying a degree of adaptability to new food sources. This transition typically occurs when bats leave their roost or are excluded from a building, leaving bat bugs behind to seek new hosts. Although bat bugs prefer bats, they can live for up to a year without feeding, giving them ample time to find alternative hosts in human occupants. This makes them capable of sustaining their population in homes, even without bats, as long as they have access to blood meals from humans or pets. The presence of bat bugs in living spaces without bats highlights the importance of comprehensive pest management, including humane removal of bats, sealing entry points to prevent their return, and addressing any remaining bat bugs with professional pest control measures. Ensuring that all potential hosts are removed or inaccessible can help avoid bugs of a bat from establishing a presence in human living areas.

Yes, there are methods and substances that can kill bed bugs nearly instantly or within a very short time frame. Here are a few:

1. Heat: Bed bugs are highly sensitive to heat. If exposed to temperatures of 118°F (48°C) or higher for 90 minutes or more, they will die. Many professional exterminators use heat treatments, where they raise the temperature in a room or entire home to these lethal levels to kill bed bugs in all life stages. Portable heaters and fans are used to heat the room to about 135°F (57°C) for several hours, ensuring the heat penetrates all potential hiding spots.
2. Cold: While heat is more commonly used, extreme cold can also kill bed bugs. They begin to die when exposed to temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) for at least four days. However, this method might be less practical for many people, especially for treating larger areas.
3. High-proof Alcohol: Rubbing alcohol (90% or higher) can kill bed bugs on contact. However, it doesn’t have long-lasting residual effects, so it’s only effective when directly sprayed on the bugs. Due to its flammability, it should be used with caution.
4. Direct Steam: Steam cleaners emitting a high-temperature jet of steam can kill bed bugs almost instantly upon contact. This method is especially effective for treating mattresses, furniture, and other areas where bed bugs are likely to be hiding.
5. Diatomaceous Earth: While not “instant,” food-grade diatomaceous earth is a natural insect killer that works relatively quickly. It’s a fine powder made from fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. When bed bugs come into contact with this powder, it damages their exoskeletons, dehydrating and killing them. While it might take a few hours to a couple of days for the bed bugs to die after coming into contact, it’s an effective longer-term strategy when placed in bed bug traffic areas.

It’s important to note that while these methods can kill bed bugs on contact or within a short time frame, addressing a full-blown infestation often requires a combination of treatments and a more comprehensive approach. Always take safety precautions when using any treatment, and when in doubt, consult with a pest control professional.

The early signs of bed bugs are small, red bites on the skin. These bites are usually found in a line or cluster and may be itchy. Bed bugs are small, brownish-red insects that feed on blood. They are often found in mattresses, bedding, or furniture. Bed bugs can be challenging to see, but if you suspect an infestation, contact us to have your home inspected.

If you see pests after a treatment, don’t panic. It’s normal to see some pests shortly after treatment as they are driven out of their hiding places by the pesticides. However, if you continue to see pests a week or two after the treatment, or if the numbers don’t seem to be decreasing, you should contact your pest control provider. They can assess the situation and determine if additional treatments are necessary.