You’ve heard the old saying, “If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen”? Well, in the case of bed bugs, not only can they not stand the heat, but high heat will actually kill bed bugs in all stages of development.
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With their ability to travel from place to place easily on our personal belongings, it doesn’t look like they are going to go away anytime soon. If you find yourself suffering from an infestation, heat treatment is one of the most effective methods of bed bug elimination.
What is Bed Bug Heat Treatment?
Bed bug heat treatments (or thermal remediation treatments) are the best method for resolving heavy bed bug infestations, particularly in cluttered conditions. They may also include a conventional treatment for maximum effectiveness. Industrial-sized heaters are used on your property and heat your space to a temperature of 120 degrees or above. Bed bugs can’t withstand this high heat at any stage in their development, so it will eliminate the entire infestation.
This option is best for those who want an issue eliminated in a single treatment and the infestations are more severe. Bed bug heat treatment works best for areas less than 2,200 sq. ft., including hotel rooms, apartments, condos and small homes.
Benefits of Bed Bug Heat Treatment
Bed bug heat treatments are the best way to get rid of bed bugs, especially in properties with a heavy infestation and cluttered conditions. Despite the name, bed bugs will take residence in many places outside the bedroom (i.e. clothes, household furniture, etc.) and can use many methods to travel by clinging on to bags, suitcases and purses. Bed bug heat treatment ensures that all bed bugs suspected in your home are effectively eliminated. The advantages of bed bug heat treatments are:
- Elimination of all stages of a bed bug’s life; from egg to adult.
- Results in a single treatment in as little as one day.
- Less preparation for the occupant; only heat intolerant items must be removed from the property.
- It’s environmentally friendly, non-chemical and non-toxic.
Preparing for a Bed Bug Heat Treatment
Bed bug heat treatment will ultimately provide the peace of mind that your bed bug problem has been eliminated. However, there are some preparation requirements to ensure the most effective treatment:
- You will need to leave your unit anywhere from 8-10 hours. This includes pets.
- Clean up your entire residence as if you were expecting company to eliminate clutter.
- Vacuum your entire home and discard vacuum bag into the trash.
- Unplug electronics from outlets in rooms that will be treated.
- Large and heavy equipment will be used, so remove any items on walls or shelves that could fall or damage easily.
A bed bug treatment can take other companies 24 to 48 hours. Fortunately, Wil-Kil has this down to a science. You’ll have to vacate your home for only about 6-8 hours while we prep, heat and treat. And when you get back, you’ll know the infestation is gone. We’ll also give you practical advice on how to protect your home from bed bugs in the future.
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Bed bugs are a clever and resilient pest. You almost have to treat them like a biological outbreak. It can be a nightmare, especially if you don’t work with a professional like Wil-Kil. The reason pest companies take so many precautions is because it only takes one female bed bug to re-infest a home in under 6 months. That means if she tucks herself in your pant pockets, a hoodie, or a sock seam, you’re looking at another big hassle down the road. If you’re going to be using heat treatment, make sure you get a company that will be delicate with your valuable possessions and sensitive to your family’s discomfort. Hospitality makes all the difference when dealing with this kind of traumatic event.
Interested in learning more about Wil-Kil’s bed bug treatment options, including heat treatment? Give us a call.