Even the cleanest properties are plagued with one pest or another at some point. While some are easy to get rid of using DIY and store-bought concoctions, bed bugs are not. Bed bugs are active at night and use their blood to reproduce. Most of their species have already developed resistance towards most chemicals. As such, a professional solution is vital if your property is infested by bed bugs.
One of the techniques used by pest control companies in New England is heat treatment. This is the most eco-friendly bed bug eradication solution available. Some stores stock heat treatment equipment, but these require expertise to ensure the heat won’t irreparably damage different items in the infested area.
DIY bed bug heat treatment is, therefore, one option you should steer clear of. Here are the equipment types for professional bed bug heat treatment.
Hot Boxes
These are used for bed bug eradication on small objects including beddings, luggage and blankets. The items will be placed in a hot box heated to 117-1220F. Items treated in the hot box should be made of heat-resistant materials. After the treatment, the items are ventilated before reuse.
Steamers
Steamers can be used to get rid of bed bugs at different stages including larvae and eggs. The steaming is carried out on visible areas including pillows, curtains, blankets and furniture frames. The heat from the steamer penetrates deep areas and will prove extremely efficient for corners and cracks. Like hot boxes, steamers are generally used for the treatment of small-scale infestation.
Propane-Based Systems
Propane-based systems are the oldest equipment used in bed bug eradication. They comprise propane that is burnt outside infested properties in trucks and transmitted indoors using flexible ducts. Propane-based systems have thorough heat circulation and penetration. There might, however, be some heat loss along the ducts and the heat used might damage some permanent fixtures in your building.
Electric-Based Systems
Electric-based heat treatment systems use an electric current delivered through high-voltage power to eradicate bed bugs. The systems, however, take more time to heat the infested area than propane-based systems. The heat used in an electric-based system is recyclable since it is a closed system. Diligence is, however, essential when using the systems since there is a risk of electrocution or causation of electric fires.
Heat Transfer Fluid Systems
HTF systems as these are commonly known are the latest ones available. They work like radiators where the fluid is heated using high-powered burners after which it is transferred into the infested area using pumps. HTF systems have no danger of causing electric fires and are energy-efficient.
HTF and electric and propane-based systems are generally used for large-scale bed bug infestation. Though more costly compared to other alternatives, the above options are your best guarantee to complete bed bug eradication. During the heat treatment, probe and sensors are placed in the treatment area to evaluate the heat penetration. After the treatment, the experts will use different bed bug monitoring methods to determine the efficacy of their treatment.
