The Downside To Certain Bed Bug Treatments, Part 3: Heat Treatments

Alana Korol

May 27, 2017

Of all the types of bed bug eradication methods, we really can’t argue that heat, when used properly, really works. After all, we recommend a number of different types of heat in the processes described in our bed bug e-book. But there are various kinds of heat when people talk about killing bed bugs. In this third and final article about the good and bad ways of how to eliminate bed bugs, we’re going to take a look at how heat can, and sometimes can’t, work.

Whole House Heat Treatment

Let’s start off with one that works pretty well, but the downsides can be rough.

With a whole house bed bug heat treatment, your house will be closed up tight, at which time industrial heaters come in to raise the temperature of your house to a temperature of approximately 135 degrees Fahrenheit. The process can last up to seven hours. Bed bugs and their eggs can’t live at temperatures above 113 degrees, which means that a treatment like this usually only takes one treatment.

There are a couple of negatives you have to consider when it comes to whole-house heating.

First of all, it usually requires the heating of the entire house, not just the bedroom. After all, if the temperature starts to rise, the bed bugs might start heading to a cooler place — such as the next bedroom over.

Second, whole-house heating is very expensive. Not many companies do it, so there’s not much competition, and the process takes a lot of energy. For a typical house, the cost is around $2,000.

Last but not least is the effects that it can have on your house and the items within it. Considering that most houses stay in a very comfortable temperature range, usually between 60 and 80 degrees with central air and heat, that 135 degrees can affect what’s in your home. It can put incredible strain on your refrigerator, and you’d better make sure to take your comic book collection or vinyl records with you. But then you have to wonder, are you taking the bed bugs with you too? Also, $2,000!

Steam

Steam cleaning is part of the multi-pronged method that we suggest using when attempting all-natural bed bug remedies. Steam kills bed bugs because of its high temperature, but the problem is that it doesn’t get very deep into furniture or soft materials. So if your bed bug pest has found a hole in the mattress, such as that brass eyelet that keeps the rope handles secure, then it may well be perfectly safe inside the mattress when you steam clean during the day. Also, it’s important not to overdo it with moisture, as that can lead to mold and mildew which can cause respiratory problems.

As we said, we’re fans of the steam cleaner and sell them ourselves. But they don’t work as the only solution in the war on bed bugs.

Clothes Dryers

We mentioned washing any clothes or bedding that could be infested with bed bugs in hot water, namely because it can kill them with heat and also wash them away. But it’s very important to dry them on a high-heat setting, too. Put your dryer on the highest setting and dry these soft goods for at least 20 minutes. Such a high heat should be able to kill bed bugs and eggs. While this might cut down on the longevity of the clothes or sheets, it’s better than reintroducing bed bugs to your bed.

Flamethrowers

Naw, we’re just kidding. Don’t use flamethrowers.

Over the past three blogs, we’ve told you about the danger associated with using too many cancer-causing chemicals and getting rid of bed bugs through physical means.

And while heat often works, the price associated with a hit is simply out of range for most people. ($2,000!) That’s why we’ve developed a working treatment that includes washing, vacuuming, steaming, and the use of an all-natural bed bug spray that kills them and keeps them away. If you want to save a lot of money and get an effective treatment that won’t hurt the items in your house, check out our excellent bed bug products right here. You’ll be glad you did!

Let us at Bed Bug Store assist you. All our products come with a 90-day 100% satisfaction guarantee. We have been relieving customers of their bed bugs for over 18 years. Our products are also 100% all-natural, chemical and pesticide-free. The smell you notice when using our solution, is the fresh scent of peppermint.

A closer look at where to use Bed Bug Patrol:

Safe for children and pets, completely deadly for bed bugs.

Our sprays are made with 100% effective natural ingredients and essentials oils, making Bed Bug Patrol a great alternative to harsh pesticides and insecticides which bed bugs are becoming increasingly resistant to.

Enjoy the safety of knowing your bed bug battle will soon be won by the all-natural power of Bed Bug Patrol.