Heat Treatments for Bed Bugs: What To Know

If you woke up covered in itchy red bumps or saw bugs crawling in the crevice of your mattress, you probably have a bed bug infestation. 

Heat treatments for bed bugs are one of the most effective ways to eradicate these pests. Let’s explore the details of heat treatment for bed bugs, including types, pros and cons, and when to hire an exterminator.  

What are Bed Bug Heat Treatments?

Heat treatments for bed bugs consist of using methods and specialized equipment to raise the temperature to a lethal level of 119 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit for a sustained period of time, usually several hours. Adult bed bugs and their eggs are unable to live through these temperatures. 

The heat can penetrate into the mattresses and other areas they hide, making it one of the most effective methods for ridding these pests. In some cases, a single treatment can be enough to eliminate bed bugs. However, if the infestation is severe, it may take more treatments or a combination of heat and chemicals.

Types of Heat Treatments for Bed Bugs

There are a few techniques that professionals use to get rid of these sneaky pests. The type of method to implement depends on the severity of the infestation, so it’s essential to consult a bed bug pro.

Here are the most common types of heat treatments for bed bugs:

Steam Heat Treatment

This method involves using commercial steamers to kill bed bugs by targeting specific infested areas, such as the creases of mattresses, upholstery, baseboards, and other areas. The steam must be applied slowly and at temperatures of 160 to 180 degrees to be effective. 

Localized Portable Heat Treatment 

Professionals set up different types of heaters and chambers to treat furniture, clothing, bedding, and more. This method is best if the bed bugs are limited to specific spots, but it’s not recommended for severe infestations. 

Whole-Room Heat Treatment

In this process, pest control specialists use specialized equipment to raise the temperature in the entire room to ensure all the bed bugs and eggs are destroyed. Air movers circulate the air throughout the room, which minimizes the potential for cold spots.

Pros and Cons of Heat Treatments for Bed Bugs

Heat treatments are one of the best non-toxic ways to stop these pests immediately. However, it’s best to weigh the pros and cons of any treatment because these resilient pests can be tricky to get rid of. Here are the main pros and cons to help you decide which method is best:

Pros of Heat Treatments

• Natural and Eco-Friendly: Using high heat rather than pesticides is an environmentally friendly approach to evicting these persistent pests from your house. 

• Highly Effective: Whole-room heat treatments can be very effective, and if done correctly by a professional, a single treatment can wipe out the infestation. 

• Safer than Insecticides: Heat treatments for bed bugs are safer than chemical treatments. According to the Institute for Functional Medicine, pesticides can potentially cause short-term and long-term health risks, such as “elevated cancer risks and disruption to the body’s metabolic functioning.” 

Cons of Heat Treatments

• Cost: You will need to hire a pest control professional, which can be expensive depending on the square footage you need to treat. Bed bug extermination can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the type of treatment and severity of the infestation. 

• Potential Damage to Items: High temperatures can be dangerous for living things like pets and plants and can damage certain items, such as plastic and electronics. It’s crucial to prepare the area before professionals apply heat treatment.

Cold vs. Heat Treatment for Bed Bugs

Cold treatment involves exposing bed bugs to freezing temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period of time, which can be days. This method is best for small items and furniture and not for treating whole rooms. 

Heat treatment is more effective for large areas and severe infestations. If you notice large amounts of bed bugs in your home, then heat treatment is going to be much more effective.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

You will need to hire a professional pest control company near you to tackle this heat-treatment task. While you can attempt DIY steam treatment, it’s best to work with a pro who has the skills, tools, and knowledge to ensure they wipe out the infestation. Consult a pest control professional to discuss your options, including getting an estimate for your specific infestation issue.