Treatment FAQ

how many heaters needed for bed bug heat treatment

by Dr. Lucinda Kozey V Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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GreenTech Heat Direct-Fired Heaters

Titan 450 Titan 800
output 550,000+ BTU 990,000+ BTU
8-hour treatment area more than 2,000 sqft more than 4,000 sqft
power requirements 7A 120V 7A 120V
air flow up to 4,000 cfm more than 5,000 cfm
Jun 30 2022

How bed bug heat treatment works is relatively simple. Using one or more propane heaters, the temperature in your home is brought to a level much too high for bed bugs and theirs eggs to survive. The treatment lasts anywhere from three to eight hours, depending on what's needed.

Full Answer

Do heaters kill bed bugs?

Find out more on the effectiveness of heaters, at what temperature do bed bugs die instantly, how long you should heat with chart, how to heat yourself at home (DIY), success rates, reviews and possible damages Bed bug heat treatment is a method of eliminating bed bugs which involves subjecting the bed bugs to extreme temperatures.

What is the best portable propane bedbug heater?

A recent independent analysis reports that the GreenTech Heat Titan 800 is the most powerful portable, propane bedbug heater available. Why Self-Treat With GreenTech Heat? Heat treatments kill 100% of bed bugs and their eggs in just one treatment.

What is a full room heat treatment for bed bugs?

When bed bug control professionals do a full-room heat treatment, the temperature in your home rises to as much as 145 °F. Rather than heating the entire house, Terminix professionals use targeted heat in the form of steam in infested areas, alongside other techniques to kill bed bugs.

Will a high temperature fan kill bed bugs?

It’s extremely hard to kill every bed bug and their eggs with just a heater alone, so a combination of a heater and high temp fans is always necessary. High temperature bed bug heat treatment fans pictured.

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How much heat does it take to get rid of bed bugs?

Bed bugs ex- posed to 113°F will die if they receive constant exposure to that temperature for 90 minutes or more. However, they will die within 20 minutes if exposed to 118°F. Interestingly, bed bug eggs must be exposed to 118°F for 90 minutes to reach 100% mortality.

How long does it take to heat up a house for bed bugs?

between six and eight hoursA heat treatment typically takes between six and eight hours, depending on the condition of the area being treated. During the heat treatment pets and any heat sensitive items that may melt or be damaged at temperatures up to 150°F degrees should be removed from the area being treated.

Can you heat treat one room for bed bugs?

Here is a tip for heat treating an infested room with portable electric bed bug heaters: direct the air low to the walls around the perimeter of the room and use fans to keep it moving around the room and recirculate back into the heater. Each time the energized air recirculates through the system it gains more energy.

Do bed bugs like heaters?

Heat will penetrate these items unlike pesticides which can only be sprayed on the surface. Bed bugs prefer the room temperature to be warm. That is why they tend to take up residence in anything that is plugged into an electrical outlet.

Can bed bugs come back after heat treatment?

Yes, bed bugs can come back after a year. If you used a DIY treatment that didn't eliminate all the bed bugs in the colony, then there's always the chance that they'll remain in hiding until they've reproduced.

Can bed bugs survive after heat treatment?

A bed bug will die within an hour or two if it's exposed to temperatures in the 110 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit range. They'll die instantly once the heat increases beyond that.

Should I treat the whole house for bed bugs?

If you confirm you have bed bugs in one bedroom of the house, you'll have to treat that entire room, but you won't necessarily need to treat the entire house. Set up traps to monitor other bedrooms and living areas to make sure they stay bug free.

Do I have to take all clothes out of house for heat treatment for bedbugs?

All boxes and other stored items must be removed from closet and placed in center of room. Excessive clutter and stored/boxed items restricts equipment placement, air movement and heat penetration and many times causes treatment failure.

What should I remove before bed bug heat treatment?

Heat sensitive items should be clearly labeled and left inside the treatment area. Remove all pets and house plants (including fish aquariums). Remove all pressurized items – lighters, hairspray, fire extinguishers etc. Remove all flammables – fuel, alcohols, solvents, etc.

How hot does a 1500 watt heater get?

A 1,500 watt heater producing 5,100 BTUs can heat 150 square feet. That's equivalent to a 10-by-15 foot room, an 11-by-14 or one sized to 12-by-12 1/2 feet with a standard 8-foot ceiling.

What type of heater is best for bed bugs?

Top 5 Best Bed Bug HeatersThe ZappBugg Heater (best value bed bug heater)The ZappBug Oven 2 (if cost isn't a concern)ZappBug Heat Chamber (best for large furniture)Dr. Infrared Heater Bed Bug Heater.ThermalStrike Ranger Bed Bug Heater.

What kind of heater do you use for bed bugs?

But propane heaters can be used as an effective, 100% eco-friendly alternative to conventional insecticides. It's often referred to as “heat treatment,” where affected rooms in your home or building are brought to extreme temperatures and bed bugs are quickly eliminated.

How much does bed bug heat treatment cost?

Prices for bed bug heat treatments can vary, depending on factors such as the type of heat treatment used, the size of your home, and the severity...

How does heat treatment kill bed bugs?

Bed bugs die when exposed to high temperatures for an extended period. If performed properly, heat treatment for bed bugs can be a highly effective...

Will heat treatment for bed bugs damage my home?

While whole room heat treatments can take hours, the temperature isn't high enough to cause permanent damage to the structure of your house. Althou...

Can a hot box kill bed bugs?

Another treatment method used to control a bed bug problem is the use of a hot box. A hot box uses sustained heat to get rid of bed bugs on items l...

Will steam kill bed bugs?

Technically, yes. Steam is another form of heat that can help kill adult bed bugs along with their larvae and eggs. However, the types of steamers...

What should I do if I think I have bed bugs?

Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to get rid of. If you think you have bed bugs in your home, don't wait to contact a bed bug control professional...

How to treat bed bugs with thermal heating?

Hot Laundry Water. Wash clothing, toys, stuffed animals, and other items in hot water that is at least 120°F (49°C) to kill bed bugs.

How long does it take for a heat chamber to kill bed bugs?

Portable heat chambers are very effective, killing all bed bugs in the items placed in​ them if they are left inside long enough. This is generally 2 to 8 hours, depending the size of the items, how loosely packed they are, and the type of chamber used.

How long does it take for bed bugs to die in heat?

Bed bugs begin to die in temperatures above 113°F when exposed to it for at least 90 minutes. So extreme heat has become one of the most effective methods for wiping out bed bug infestations.

What is the best way to kill bed bugs?

Steam. Steam cleaning is another alternative for killing bed bugs and their eggs with heat and without chemicals . When it comes to bed bugs, steam is a contact killer. It must make contact to kill.

What is a portable heat chamber?

Portable heat chambers, sometimes called "hot boxes" or "ovens," are ​containers that are zipped shut with a heater inside. That heater warms the unit to ​120 degrees ​or more to kill bed bugs at all stages of life. They vary in size and portability.

Can the sun kill bed bugs?

When it comes to killing bed bugs, the sun ​can be your friend. Left in an inescapable package long enough, the little critters will roast away. ​​However, this is not a ​technique recommended by any expert. We note it here only because it gets asked about frequently.

Can bed bugs be steamed?

Bed bug steamers rely on heat without creating excessive moisture that can damage your belongings​. Still, ​because it is water-based, you need to ​consider, piece by piece, whether ​to apply it. For example, leather chairs and couches might not be the right place for steam.

How effective is bed bug heat treatment?

That’s why a bed bug heat treatment can be one of the most effective solutions. Costs will vary depending on the type of treatment used and the size of the infestation. Successfully getting rid of bed bugs relies on early detection, proper preparedness and correct treatment methods. That’s where heat treatment comes in.

How hot does a bed bug treatment get?

When bed bug control professionals do a full-room heat treatment, the temperature in your home rises to as much as 145 °F. Rather than heating the entire house, Terminix professionals use targeted heat in the form of steam in infested areas, alongside other techniques to kill bed bugs.

How long does it take to kill bed bugs in clothes?

While you can perform spot-treatments to kill bed bugs on infested items such as clothing and bedding by running them through a 30-minute cycle at the highest heat setting in a clothes dryer, this will only kill bed bugs on infested items. Although this is an important part of a system of bed bug control solutions, it will not control a bed bug issue by itself.

How long does it take to get rid of bed bugs?

The entire process can be completed in about 6–9 hours. there are, in some instances, cool spots where some bed bugs may look to in order to escape the heat and survive.

What temperature does steaming work?

It can even be used on several items without causing destruction. That said, steaming utilizes high heat (up to 230° Fahrenheit) and could damage certain items.

Where do bed bugs hide?

And because of their small size, they can hide in crevices as tiny as nail indentations in your wall. As a result, these pests can be very difficult to get rid of.

Does steam kill bed bugs?

In short, yes — steam is another form of heat that can help kill bed bugs, larvae and eggs. Steam treatment is no more labor intensive than other methods. However, it's not meant to penetrate materials deep enough to kill hidden bed bugs. In fact, the University of Minnesota states that steaming can kill bed bugs in cracks ...

How many types of heaters are there for bed bugs?

There are 3 different kinds of heaters for bed bugs…. There are three different types of heaters that can heat up an area/ room or complete structure to kill bed bugs. Those different types of heaters are named as follows:

What kind of heater do bed bugs use?

Most bed bug heat treatment companies will use indirect fired diesel heaters. That means that all of the harmful pollutants are removed from the heat that is produced from the heater before it is ejected out into the ducting that is stretched through a window or door into the area being heated for bed bugs. Kerosene and jet fuel are just two other ...

What fuel is used in a bed bug heater?

Kerosene and jet fuel are just two other fuels that can be used in the heater. Diesel fuel is just the least expensive of all of them. These types of heaters work just the same on all fuels though. The heaters will remain outside during the bed bug heat treatment service.

Can bed bugs be treated with fresh air?

Fresh air must be supplied with this type of heat treatment for bed bugs as to not cause CO2 poisoning in the home. These can be extremely powerful and useful for experienced individuals but harder to understand for novices.

Can a direct fired heater be indirect?

These types of heaters are normally direct fired but can be indirect fired. Direct fired means that no pollutants are removed from the heat pushed into the conduit run through a window or door from the heaters output. Fresh air must be supplied with this type of heat treatment for bed bugs as to not cause CO2 poisoning in the home.

Do heaters stay inside during bed bug treatment?

The heaters will remain inside during the heat bed bug treatment. Electric bed bug heater pictured.

Can electric heaters kill bed bugs?

Electric heaters are another very portable choice but lack in the power field. These type of heaters will take much longer to reach kill temps giving bed bugs more time to run and hide in areas outside of the heaters reach. We do not recommend these types of heaters as a stand alone for a heat remediation treatment.

What temperature do bed bugs get?

During the heating process, temperatures will be from 120 degrees to 140 degrees. These are lethal temperatures to bed bug populations but not hot enough to damage most things; however, a few items will need to be removed or prepared.

How long does it take for bed bugs to die?

Heat treatments have proven to be the most effective and quickest method of eliminating bed bugs. All life stages, adults, nymphs and eggs, die within minutes at temperature. This article has been developed to help you understand the complexity, dangers and risks involved in heat treatments. To ensure success and safety, your cooperation before, during and after treatment is essential. Failure to meet the checklist requirements may void the warranty option and/or force the treatment to be rescheduled for a later date.

What temperature does Thomas Pest Services not take responsibility for?

Temperatures up to 150ºF will not damage almost all equipment that is not powered. If there are any doubts, the manufacturer should be contacted to establish a temperature that damage could occur. Thomas Pest Services does not take responsibility for obtaining this information.

Why do you have to stay out of the house during heat remediation?

All occupants, plants and pets must remain out of premises during heat remediation for their safety and to ensure efficacy of treatment.

Can a wheelchair be infested with bed bugs?

Wheelchairs and scooters are often infested by bed bugs . Wheelchairs and scooters need to stay in the home to be treated. Please make arrangements prior to the first treatment to accommodate your transportation needs.

Can bed bugs be in clothing?

Clothing. Bed bugs often seek shelter on and in clothing. To avoid re-introducing bed bugs, any clothing removed during heat treatment must be treated before being returned to the treated area. Loosely packed clothing may remain in dresser drawers and laundry baskets to avoid clutter on floor in small rooms.

Can an airbed be partially deflated?

Select Comfort type and other airbeds must be partially deflated and unplugged from wall outlet to avoid damage.

What is heat treatment for bed bugs?

Heat treatments are a chemical-free method of pest control used to treat bed bugs by raising the temperature of an affected room . David Hammond is the inventor of heat treatment technologies. He tells us how this treatment works and what to look out for when purchasing this treatment ...

How do bed bugs get killed?

A key part of the way bed bugs are killed in an adequately carried out heat treatment is by being dried out. When you burn gas, you put water into the building, so that’s not going to work. And it’s the same with steam-applied heat, which clearly isn’t going to dry anything out.

How do heat treatments work?

Insects, just like us, are made up of proteins. Even enzymes are proteins and the nature of that protein, and its DNA determines its place and function in the body.

Why are heat treatments expensive?

If someone is charging very little to heat up an entire room, you need to beware!

Do bed bugs have antibiotic resistance?

Just as with bacterial resistance to antibiotics, insects have become resistant to many pesticides, and in the public health sphere, none more so than bed bugs.

Can you combine water and heat to kill bed bugs?

Plus, as well as helping the bed bugs and eggs survive, when you combine water and heat you the damage risk increases somewhat.

How long does it take to heat a house?

Generally speaking, your home will have to be heated up to 140°F and held at this temperature for two hours. Alternatively, you could have the home brought up to a temperature of 130°F and held at that level for three hours.

Why is heat important for bugs?

Heat is so useful because these bugs are just so incredibly tough and resilient. Many times, there is nothing else that you can do. For example, pretend that you took away all of their food sources. They need blood to survive, so you would just have to remove any living organisms from the home.

What is the best way to heat a house?

An alternative method to heating is exactly the opposite: Freezing. This is very effective, though you may have to keep the home at a temperature that is below 32°F for a number of days. This is also very hard to do since it simply has to be that cold outside.

How long can a bug live without oxygen?

Well, it would be clean. Unfortunately, the bugs could live for as long as eighteen months without any oxygen at all. There are not many other organisms that can make such a claim. You need to find a way that is equally clean, but that works much more effectively. That way is heat.

Can you use a vacuum to remove bugs?

For instance, you can use a very strong vacuum to remove the bugs from your home.

Does heat kill bugs?

You can hurt the population a lot by doing this, but you will not get all of them. Those that are left will start laying eggs, and the population will increase back to what it was before. Since heat kills bugs in every part of the home, along with the eggs, it is more effective than a steam cleaner.

Does heat leave residue?

Heat leaves no residue at all. You do not have to worry about destroying the things within your home since the heat will not be so intense that it will start a fire. All of you metal pots and pans and your wooden furniture will get quite hot while the process is underway, but it will all cool back down in the end.

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