Professional Bed Bug Heat Treatment in the Fraser Valley
At The Bugman, we treat bed bug infestations by using a chemical-free Bed Bug Heat Treatment Process. Thermal Remediation is the most thorough method of eradicating bed bugs, proving lethal at all stages of the bed bug’s life cycle. Our process is the most cost-effective & least disruptive option – saving your mattress, furniture, time, and money!
How does it work?
Bed bugs are attracted to heat sources, like body heat. Rather than trying to escape, they emerge from hiding to come out to the heat source we create. The heating happens quickly, so the bugs have no time to run; the temperature is controlled and maintained until every last bed bug dies.
At The Bugman, our effective heat treatment is all about balance, timing, and monitoring. We use purpose-built industry-leading equipment, which includes industrial electric heaters and convection fans to thermal treat the infected spaces. Our complete heat monitoring system ensures that the right balance of heat is attained & maintained.
Electric Heaters for Bed Bug Control
Because we use electric heaters, there are no open flames. We do not use chemicals, so there are no fumes or residue to worry about afterward. A typical treatment may take 6 to 8 hours to complete, depending on the size of the space to be treated. Only one service is usually required. And typically, you can return to the treated area on the same day.
In addition to our basic thermal remediation service, we also offer perimeter barrier applications and treatment of electrical/plumbing orifices where required. Depending on the severity and nature of your infestation, this may be necessary, especially in multi-family residential buildings and situations of past treatment failures. This part of our bed bug process is also simple, effective, and chemical-free.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A BED BUG HEAT TREATMENT
Proper preparation is essential to ensure the success of a bed bug heat treatment. Here are the steps you should take to prepare:
First, remove any clutter from the treatment area. Clearing out these items will help the heat circulate more effectively and ensure that all the bed bugs and their eggs are exposed to the heat.
Next, thoroughly clean and vacuum the entire treatment area. Pay special attention to cracks and crevices, behind baseboards, and other potential hiding spots where bed bugs may be present.
Place any items that can’t be cleaned in the treatment area in plastic bags or laundry baskets. Items such as stuffed animals, electronics, and photographs are good examples of this.
Protect any electronics that may be affected by the heat such as televisions, computers, and stereos. Remove or protect plants, food items, and pets if they are present in the area.
HOW SUCCESSFUL IS HEAT TREATMENT FOR BED BUGS?
Thermal treatment is considered to be a highly effective method for eliminating bed bugs. Cimex lectularius cannot survive at high temperatures and begins to die at temperatures above 113°F (45°C). The temperature must be held at this level for several hours to eliminate bed bugs. This makes heat treatment an efficient way of destroying all life stages of Cimex lectularius, including eggs, which are often resistant to other solutions.
One of the significant benefits of heat treatment is that it can penetrate all the hiding spots where bed bugs may be present, such as in cracks and crevices, making it highly effective in eliminating them from an infested area. It also causes minimal disruption to the environment and belongings, unlike chemical treatments, which require the evacuation of the space before and after application and may also leave a residue.
However, it is essential to note that heat treatment is not always a one-time solution; it’s a complex process that should be accompanied by other measures and regular monitoring when required. It requires proper preparation, experience and expertise of the professional and follow-up to confirm that all the bed bugs have been eliminated.
Another critical factor is that bed bugs have developed resistance to certain types of pesticides, making them less effective. However, Cimex lectularius cannot develop resistance to temperature, which makes heat treatment a reliable solution.
In conclusion, heat treatment is a highly effective method to kill bed bugs. It can reach all the areas where bed bugs may be hiding and destroy all life stages of Cimex lectularius, including eggs. However, it requires proper preparation, experience, and expertise of the professional and follow-up to confirm that all the bed bugs have been eliminated. It’s also a good idea to prevent re-infestation by following the recommendations of the professional.
How long does bed bug treatment take?
The duration of a bed bug remediation can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the infestation, the size of the area, and the type of equipment used.
Generally, a bed bug thermal treatment can take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours for a small room or apartment to up to 24 hours or more for larger areas such as a multi-unit apartment building or a commercial building.
The heat treatment process begins with raising the temperature in the area to the necessary level, typically around 135°F (57°C), based on this study by the National Library of Medicine. The temperature is then held at this level for a specified time. This ensures that all the pests and their eggs are eliminated.
It’s important to note that the duration of the treatment can also be affected by factors such as the temperature and humidity of the area, the type of building construction, and the presence of insulation.
What can get damaged during bed bug heat treatment?
Heat is considered to be a highly effective method for eliminating bed bugs; however, it can also cause damage to certain items if proper precautions are not taken. The following things may be damaged during a bed bug heat treatment:
Electronics: Devices such as televisions, computers, and stereos can be damaged by high temperatures. Removing or protecting these items before the heat treatment begins is crucial. This means unplugging, removing the batteries, or moving them to a safe location outside of the area.
Plants: High temperatures can damage or kill plants. It is essential to remove any plants before the heat treatment begins.
Food: High temperatures can cause food items to spoil. It is important to remove any food items or protect them with plastic sheeting before the treatment begins.
Medications: High temperatures can cause medications to lose effectiveness. Be sure to remove any medications before our visit.
Cosmetics and personal care products: High temperatures can cause these items to degrade or melt. It is important to remove or protect these items before the heat treatment begins. This means removing them from the area or covering them with plastic sheeting to protect them from the heat.
Painted surfaces, wallpapers, and certain types of fabrics can also be affected by the high temperature, so it is vital to inform your exterminator about these materials that may be in the treatment area.
By preparing the area properly and removing or protecting items that may be sensitive to heat, you can help minimize the risk of damage.
What should you do before a bed bug heat treatment?
Proper preparation is essential for a successful bed bug heat treatment. Before the treatment, it is important to clear out any unnecessary items from the treatment area, such as clothes, shoes, toys, and books. Then, thoroughly clean and vacuum the entire treatment area, focusing on potential hiding spots for bed bugs, such as cracks and crevices, behind baseboards, and other potential hiding spots.
Launder all fabrics, including bedding and clothes in hot water, and dry them at the highest heat setting possible.
It’s important to note that the full process should be carried out by a professional pest control company with the necessary equipment and expertise to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the service. By properly preparing the area, you can help ensure that the heat treatment is as effective as possible and protect your belongings.
How long after bed bug heat treatment can I return home?
After a bed bug thermal remediation treatment, it’s important to wait for the treated area to cool down before returning to it. The time it takes for the treated area to cool down will depend on the size of the treatment area and the type of equipment used.
An exterminator will monitor the temperature throughout the treatment to ensure that it remains at the appropriate level for the necessary amount of time.
Typically, once the temperature in the treated area has cooled down and the inspection is complete, you should be able to return to your home safely.
It’s important to note that it’s also important to follow the recommendations of the professional to avoid re-infestation, such as encasements on mattresses and box springs, monitoring devices, regular cleaning and vacuuming, and inspecting any new items brought into the building.
What to do after a bed bug heat treatment service?
After a bed bug service, it’s important to take several steps to ensure that the treatment is successful and to prevent a recurrence of the infestation. Here are some things you can do:
Inspect the treated area: Have a professional pest control company thoroughly inspect the treated area to confirm that all the bed bugs have been eliminated. If any are found during the inspection, another treatment may be necessary.
Follow the professional’s recommendations: The professional pest control company will provide you with instructions and recommendations for preventing a recurrence of the infestation. This may include using bed bug encasements on mattresses and box springs, installing monitoring devices, and regular cleaning and vacuuming.
Clean and vacuum: Continue to clean and vacuum the treated area regularly to remove any remnants.
Launder all fabrics: Continue to wash all bedding, clothes, and other fabrics in hot water and dry them at the highest temperature setting possible.
Keep an eye out for the signs: Regularly inspect for signs of bed bugs, such as shed skins, fecal spots, and live bugs. If you notice any further evidence of them, contact The Bugman immediately.
Be cautious when bringing in new items, mainly used furniture or second-hand items, to avoid re-introducing pests into your home. Also, be sure to thoroughly inspect your luggage upon returning home.
How much does a professional treatment cost?
The price of a bed bug heat treatment can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the infestation, the size of the treatment area, and the location. On average, a Cimex lectularius treatment can be anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 for a small room or apartment to $5,000 or more for larger areas such as a multi-unit apartment building or a commercial building. Pricing will also depend on location, with bed bug treatments in larger cities such as Vancouver, Calgary or Toronto varying from pricing for smaller communities such as Abbotsford or Chilliwack.
However, it’s important to note that the removal cost can vary widely depending on the specific conditions of the infestation, the methods used by the professional, and the location. Some companies may charge extra for additional services, such as follow-up inspections or for the use of specialized equipment.
It’s also important to note that while heat treatment may have a higher upfront price, it has been proven to be highly effective and can save money in the long run by eliminating the need for multiple treatments.
It’s best to get quotes from different pest control companies before deciding and to ask if the company includes a guarantee, a follow-up visit, and the cost of preparing the area before the treatment. It is also a good idea to check the company’s customer reviews.