Bed bugs can be a nuisance. When homeowners encounter such bugs, they look for the fastest way to get rid of these pests. Bed bugs are very tiny and have the ability to hide in even the smallest crevices. Therefore, eradicating them from your property requires professional intervention. Among the available solutions, heat treatment is highly effective.
Heat treatment does not only remove bed bugs from your property completely by killing them, but it is also a non-toxic solution. This means that there is no use of harsh chemicals, making it safe for your family and pets. In Missouri, bed bug treatment takes about 6 to 8 hours, but it can vary depending on the severity of the infestation and the area of the house.
It is a complex procedure that requires experience and knowledge. It can be extremely unsafe to try it yourself. Make sure you hire a ZipZap Pest control team for the job to carry out the job efficiently. Professionals can administer the treatment correctly, and you will have peace of mind knowing that the right people did the job.
Factors affecting the length of a bed bug heat treatment
The duration of the bed bug heat treatment can vary depending on various factors. It is important to know what these factors are to prepare yourself.
- Size of the infested area.
The size of the area, that is, your house or property, matters a lot to determine the length of the treatment. Smaller spaces, such as individual rooms or studio apartments, take a shorter time than multiple rooms or a family apartment. This is because smaller spaces reach the required temperature faster and also require less heat. If you want to treat your entire property, it may take anywhere between 6 to 9 hours.
- The severity of the infestation.
The severity of the infestation also plays a major role. Mild infestations with fewer pests take a shorter time, while bigger infestations take longer. The more bugs you need to eradicate, the longer it takes. Severe infestations require prolonged and thorough heating to allow the heat to reach deeply into furniture, walls, and other hiding places.
- Structural characteristics of the place.
The structural characteristics of your home will determine the effectiveness of the heat treatment. If your house has good insulation, it will retain heat more effectively and reduce the time needed to process it. On the other hand, poorly insulated homes need a longer heating time for a successful treatment.
What is the typical treatment duration for bed bug heat treatments?
The typical bed bug heat treatment duration in Missouri spans between 6 to 10 hours on average. This time is required to eliminate all stages of a bed bug, including eggs. A great amount of time goes into reaching the lethal temperature, which is around 113°F (45°C) or higher.
Different stages of the treatment
There are various stages in the treatment process, including preparation, heating, maintaining temperature, and cooling. The preparation stage comprises experts inspecting your home and identifying the problematic areas. They then remove your sensitive items and valuables to avoid damage or accidents during the treatment.
The heating stage goes on for about 3 to 5 hours, during which time they ensure that the target temperature is reached. Once that has been reached, the temperature is maintained for about 60 minutes to ensure that all the bugs die. Once that is done, the cooling stage begins. Your property gradually goes back to its normal temperature.
To summarise, all of the stages are conducted within 6 to 8 or 10 hours. Every phase is necessary to remove these annoying invaders effectively.
Say goodbye to bed bugs today!
Whether you have encountered a few bed bugs or have a full-blown infestation, call a professional pest control service today!
