FAQ’s: Bed Bug Removal Using Heat Treatment
Questions about Heat Treatment and Bed Bug Removal
If you live in the Richmond VA area and need help removing bed bugs from your home or business below are a few of the most frequently asked questions.
What Is Heat Treatment, and How Does It Kill Bed Bugs?
Heat treatment is the practice of using energized, concentrated thermal vortexes to dry out and exterminate pests.
Utilizing an array of electric and propane heaters, hot air is ducted into the infested structure where it is channeled by fans into vortex like currents. These currents are lethal to bed bugs and can dry them out in a matter of minutes. A full structure heat treatment can take anywhere from four to ten hours for larger structures.
Why Can’t Bed Bugs Escape to Cooler Areas during the heat process?
Although bed bugs are remarkably resilient, heat is their Achilles heel. High temperatures cause intense disorientation to bed bugs as they desiccate. Unable to accurately navigate their surroundings, the bugs quickly expire.
Concerning bed bugs that do manage to make it cooler areas; (clutter piles, underneath carpeting, etc.) the cooler area is swiftly cleared as the temperature climbs higher. Once exposed, desiccation takes only moments.
Will The High Temperatures created during the bed bug removal process hurt my Electronics?
Many electronics reach similarly high temperatures during production and shipment, and are built to withstand exposure to heat.
Our technicians are specially trained to protect your electronics, using a variety of techniques to ensure your devices remain safe.
Do I Need To Empty My Home Prior To Bed Bug Treatment?
No. A common misconception is that heat treatments require that the client remove furniture, electronics, or anything of value from the treatment area. Bed Bugs have been known to harbor inside T.V.’s, cupboards, chairs, stereo systems, as well as many other common household items.
Most items in the treatment area will be safe during the process. Only heat sensitive items: waxy, oily, or cheap plastic materials should be removed.
Our technicians will walk you through the preparation process, letting you know exactly what needs to be removed.
Can’t Bed Bugs be Hiding in any Items I Remove from the Structure?
Technically, yes. Clean Heat Defense strongly recommends leaving any clothing or fabric material in the structure. Bed bugs tend to hide in warmer, softer places close to their hosts. Nearly all items removed from the structure will either be too small, or inconvenient for bed bugs to be harboring in them.