Heat Treatment vs. Our Chemical Treatment
Two methods are commonly used to eradicate bed bugs: heat treatment and chemical treatment.
Bed bugs in a home are uncomfortable, and eliminating them isn’t easy. Two methods are commonly used to eradicate bed bugs: heat treatment and chemical treatment. Exterminators will perform these treatments with the promise that the bed bugs will be gone for good. However, heat treatment is the least effective method.
How heat treatment works
The interior temperature must be raised between 130 and 140 degrees for heat treatment and held for several hours to kill all the bed bugs. All wall voids, furniture, mattresses, box springs, dressers, nightstands, and other large furniture pieces need to reach this temperature as well because as the temperature rises and bed bugs feel the heat, they will instinctively try to get away. They will bury themselves deep into any crack or crevice they can find, including wall voids, under baseboards, and furniture. Bed bugs can survive heat treatment if an area does not reach the needed temperature. Once the temperature has been lowered, there is nothing to stop the bed bugs from returning.
Why chemical treatment is superior
Chemical treatments have a residual effect that lasts 45 to 60 days after the treatment, depending on the surface type. If a bed bug or egg is sprayed directly by the chemicals, it will die within 7 to 10 minutes of contact. If a bed bug is in hiding and is not sprayed directly, it will die when exposed to the residue, although it will not be as immediate as direct contact with the spray. In the event that the chemical treatment does not directly spray a bed bug egg laid in a crack or crevice, the egg will hatch 10 to 14 days from the day it was laid.
Therefore, an additional service is needed after about two weeks to ensure every bed bug is eliminated. The exterminator should come back to check the efficacy of the residue to ensure it will kill any newly-hatched bed bugs.
As a lasting treatment, organic dust is often applied that will last well over a year in a protected area, such as in the structure of a couch, recliner, or box spring.
Why chemical treatment saves money
Heat treatments can be costly and are generally priced by the square footage of a home. The bigger the home, the more the service costs. Look for a professional exterminator who offers their customers a free home inspection. The expert can better understand the problem, answer any questions, and offer a fair and accurate price based on treatment needs.
Chemical treatments generally cost less than half of the cost of heat treatment, come with a better warranty, and are more effective. Most customers never see another bed bug after their first service.
Most exterminators give a 60- to 90-day warranty or want their clients to sign a contract for general pest control. They also will give the customer up to three different prices depending on which contract they select.
Customer safety is paramount
The heat treatment companies would like homeowners to believe that chemical treatments are unsafe and take 30 days or more to get rid of bed bugs. However, this claim is untrue. Reliable professionals perform treatments with their client’s safety in mind. They will never do anything to put their clients at risk.
They must strictly adhere to all label directions and safety precautions for their products. The state and insurance companies will not allow them to stay in business if they don’t.
Why heat treatment is inferior
Most heat treatment companies offer chemical treatments as well. So while they want customers to believe that the chemical treatment is unsafe for the residents, they need to chemically treat the home after the heat treatment to eliminate bed bugs. Conversely, homeowners will never need heat treatment if the chemical treatment is completed correctly.
For homeowners who need more information, reach out to a reliable, professional bed bug exterminator.
Bed Bugs Arizona offers a free, in-home bed bug inspection and a one-year warranty on all bed bug services. No obligation. We specialize in apartment communities. Our fast, certified technicians provide the Pro-Treat Plus method of bed bug removal to Phoenix and surrounding cities in a 100-mile plus radius including Flagstaff, Globe, and Casa Grande. Veteran and senior discounts. Call now at (602) 962-8806.
