Why You Can’t Kill Bed Bugs Yourself with DIY Heat Treatments
Bed bugs are a common and persistent problem for homeowners, landlords, and renters alike. These tiny insects are notoriously difficult to eliminate, and many people attempt to tackle the problem on their own using DIY heat treatments. However, DIY bed bug elimination efforts are ineffective, and can even make the problem worse. In this post, we’ll explore why you can’t match professional bed bug heat treatments with a DIY solution.
Why using a U-Haul won’t work
Often out of sheer desperation, some people attempt to kill bed bugs by loading their infested belongings into a U-Haul and driving around with the windows rolled up, or even leaving it in the sun for a few days, in an attempt to bake the bugs to death. This method is not effective for several reasons. First, the temperature inside a vehicle can vary widely depending on the weather outside, which can make it difficult to maintain a high enough temperature inside to kill bed bugs. Additionally, the lack of insulation means that heat can escape easily, reducing the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
The temperature inside a non-insulated U-Haul will not get hot enough to kill bed bugs. Bed bugs and their eggs can survive temperatures up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why using space heaters won’t work for DIY heat treatments
Another common DIY bed bug treatment is to use a space heater to heat up your home. This is also not an effective treatment.
Space heaters are not powerful enough to heat any given space to the high temperatures needed to kill bed bugs and their eggs.
Additionally, the uneven distribution of heat generated by space heaters can create cold spots where bed bugs can survive. Too many space heaters in one place and you risk igniting a fire.
In order to kill bugs with heat, you must first reach a high enough temperature. Then you must maintain that temperature consistently for a specific amount of time. This is known as the bug “kill zone” and is only attainable with professional-level training and equipment.
Professional heat treatments work by heating a space to a temperature that is lethal to bed bugs and their eggs. Unlike DIY methods, professional heat treatments are performed using specialized equipment that is designed to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the treatment area. This ensures that all of the bed bugs and their eggs are exposed to the high temperatures needed to eliminate them.
If you, have bed bugs or other unwanted pests on your property hire a professional pest control company that specializes in heat treatments. Professional heat is the most effective way to eliminate bed bugs and their eggs with one treatment. Maine Bed Bugs and Pest Control is the leading local expert in structural heat treatments for homes, apartments, and businesses.
We are also the first – and only – company in Maine offering mobile heat treatments using Heat on Wheels – our insulated heat chamber. If you’re moving, don’t bring pests along for the ride. We can eliminate insects with one treatment from household items, personal belongings, furniture…even your vehicle. Ask us HOW!
