Does Heat Kill Bed Bugs?

Yes, heat kills bed bugs. A heat treatment is the most effective type of bed bug treatment. Bed bugs die when they are exposed to temperatures higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher the temperature, the quicker the bed bugs will die. There are many ways to kill bed bugs with heat. You can produce heat with all sorts of equipment. The key is to get the area hot enough without damaging anything.

Bed bugs will die right away with a heat treatment when exposed to temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat must reach all areas that the bed bugs are hiding. Bed bugs take shelter from the heat and survive. Professional Bed Bug Heat Treatment Companies kill all of the bed bugs in one treatment in most cases.

All bed bugs should be dead after a heat treatment. If the entire space was heated, then the area may still be hot for several hours. Everything in the house should be neat and orderly as before the treatment began. Some things can be damaged by the heat depending on the temperature achieved during heat treatment. Experienced bed bug exterminators will recommend removing heat sensitive items prior to heat treatment.

All people and pets must be out of the treated areas during heat treatment and until the heat has dissapated. In general everyone will need to be out for between 6-24 hours. Re-entry times will vary between each bed bug treatment company based on the type of heaters they use, how quickly the rooms heat, and how severe the bed bug infestation is. Also each company has different procedures regarding re-entry. Contact your heat treatment provider for further instructions.

Bed Bug Heat Treatment can cost anywhere from $800 up to $8,000. It all depends on how many rooms are being heated and how severe the bed bug problem is. It will also depend on the amount of furniture and belongings in the treatment area, and whether the client can prepare the home prior to treatment.

Heat treatments can damage electronics if the heat is directed to that electronic item. It will depend on how hot the room gets during heat treatment. In general, if you are concerned about something getting damaged by the heat, take it out.