Of all the types of bed bug eradication methods, we can’t argue that heat works when used correctly. After all, we recommend several 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 to eliminate bed bugs, we’re going to look at how heat can, and sometimes can’t, work.

Whole House Heat Treatment

Let’s start 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, meaning a treatment like this usually only takes one treatment.

You have to consider a couple of negatives when it comes to whole-house heating.

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

Second, whole-house heating is costly. Few companies offer it, so there’s little competition, and the process requires a lot of energy. For a typical house, the cost is around $2,000.

Last but not least are 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, 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 we suggest when attempting all-natural bed bug remedies. Steam kills bed bugs because of its high temperature. Still, 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, it may 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 steam cleaners 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 because it can kill them with heat and wash them away. But it’s imperative 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 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

No, we’re just kidding. Don’t use flamethrowers.

Over the past three blogs, we’ve told you about the dangers 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 using an all-natural bed bug spray that kills and keeps them away. If you want to save money and get an effective treatment that won’t hurt the items in your house, check out our excellent bed bug products here. You’ll be glad you did!