Heat can end a bed bug problem in one day. A crew brings commercial heaters and fans and places probes inside mattresses, cushions and along the walls to track the temperature. Most Forestville homes can be used again by nightfall.
How Heat Gets the Job Done
Bed bugs and eggs die when held at high heat long enough, and they cannot build resistance to heat the way they can to some pesticides. Crews typically keep the coolest spots in each room at about 120°F or more, flipping mattresses and shifting cushions so heat soaks all the way through.
On Treatment Day
- PrepareItems that could melt are taken out, then heaters, fans and probes go in.
- Heat upRooms climb to the target over several hours.
- HoldThe crew watches the readings and moves things so no cold pockets remain.
- Wrap upOnce rooms cool the crew checks results and may add a residual product at the edges.
Heat Treatment in Forestville Houses
Heat works well for owners who want no pesticide in the bedroom and for landlords who need a unit back quickly. Since about 370 homes in 95436 date from 1939 or earlier, a careful crew looks over the electrical panel before setup and may bring a generator. Drafty board walls and single pane windows can also slow heating, so ask how the crew will hold the target temperature.
Take These Out First
- Candles, crayons, lip balm, aerosol cans, medicine, houseplants and pets.
- Vinyl records, photo prints, artwork and anything that can warp.
- Items on the crew's own list, such as certain electronics.
- Clothing and bedding usually stay put unless the crew says otherwise.
Questions About Heat Treatment
Will we sleep at home that night?
Usually. When the rooms have cooled and the crew has checked its readings, most families can move back in the same evening.
Would running our wood stove or space heaters work?
No. The EPA warns that household heaters cannot heat a room evenly enough to kill every bug and can start fires.
How your call is handled: Bed Bug Control CA is a free referral service. When you call or send the form, you are connected with an independent, licensed pest control company that serves Forestville. That company inspects, quotes and does the work.