In recent decades, bed bugs have developed resistance to the various pesticides that were developed after the ban of DDT, which was effective but dangerous to humans. As a result, chemicals are continually reformulated to increase their potency in order to kill bed bugs. In 2012, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned about the dangers of bed bug pesticides, including the hazardous residue that they leave behind and the potential harm to humans and pets. However, unlike chemical fumigation, heat treatment is non-toxic and does not require a certified pest management professional to apply it.
Heat has been found to be the most effective and chemical-free way to eliminate bed bugs. Bed bug experts have discovered that lethal temperatures for bed bugs range between 117o to 122oF (47.2o to 50oC), with 122oF (50oC) being the standard baseline adopted by the pest control industry. At DIY Bed Bug Heaters, all heaters are capable of reaching temperatures up to 155oF (68oC) to ensure effective elimination of bed bugs at all stages of development. Sustained heat exposure for an extended period of time is a safe and efficient way to handle any infestation, including unhatched larvae.
Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate and require specialized treatment to completely eradicate. Two common methods of bed bug treatment are heat treatment and chemical treatment. Here's a comparison of the two methods:
Advantages of Heat Treatment
Low Health Risk
Heat treatment is a safe option for humans and animals as it does not involve the use of harmful odors or toxic chemicals. However, caution should still be exercised as excessive heat exposure can be dangerous.
One day turnaround time.
Using bed bug heaters is a fast and effective solution, capable of killing bed bugs with just one treatment and in as little as one day. This can lead to increased profits and savings, with a median success rate achieved in just 1.3 treatments.
Effective
Heat treatment causes bed bugs to become lethargic before they die, making them slow down and unable to scatter or hide. With temperatures ranging from 122°F to 135°F (50°C to 57.2°C), Eradi-Flo Bed Bug heaters deliver heat that effectively penetrates into bed bug hiding places, ensuring complete eradication of bed bugs in all their life stages and harborages.
Discreet
By using bed bug heaters, you or your staff can perform the eradication process themselves without relying on pest control companies and their conspicuous vans parked outside your facility, which can raise suspicion or concern among clients or guests.
Scientific Research Heat
Heat has been proven to be highly effective in killing bed bugs and their hiding places, as confirmed by scientific research, industry studies, and practical field use.
Disadvantages of Chemical Treatment
Health risks
Chemical treatments can emit unpleasant odors and contain insecticides that are harmful or toxic to both humans and animals. In some cases, treated items and materials may need to be disposed of due to the presence of chemical residues.
Slow Turnaround
Studies suggest that chemical treatments require an average of 2.6 service visits to effectively reduce bed bug populations. Re-occupying a treated room takes longer, resulting in a longer turnaround time and increased costs as rooms are taken out of service during treatment.
Less Effective
Emerging strains of bed bugs are becoming more resilient to chemical treatments due to their thicker cuticles and increased mobility. In addition, spraying chemicals can cause bed bugs to scatter and hide, making it difficult to eliminate them. Furthermore, with chemical treatments, there is a risk of missing hidden bed bugs as direct contact is often required for effective results.
Visible
Chemical treatments often leave behind visible and noticeable evidence of application, such as residue or odors. Additionally, the presence of pest control vans near the building can draw attention and raise concerns among clients or guests.
Scientific Research Chemicals
Studies suggest that chemical treatments may not always be entirely effective due to two main reasons. Firstly, certain strains of bed bugs have mutated and become resistant to some chemicals. Secondly, the cuticles of bed bugs have thickened over time, providing protection against chemical treatments, thus making bed bugs more resilient to chemical eradication methods.
