Bed Bug Heat Treatment FAQ

Q: Why are you using heat to kill insects?

In 1996, the US Clean Air Act established phase out schedules for ozone-depleting substances to comply with the Montreal Protocol to protect the ozone layer. CFCs were phased out in 1996. Methyl bromide was also scheduled for phase out by 2005. According to the EPA, the only approved alternatives to kill insects were heat, cold, or vacuum. There are chemical alternatives now, but heat has significant advantages over chemicals.

Most bed bug chemical treatments are extremely tedious and may require multiple visits. Studies have shown that bed bugs may be growing increasingly insecticide resistant, and there are fewer treatment alternatives as regulatory restrictions have diminished many of the chemical options.

Heat treatment is safe. Heat is non-chemical, non-corrosive, and does not have a residual effect. Heat is also environmentally friendly since there are no toxic fumes. Heat is effective as it kills the entire life cycle of all insects, from eggs to adults. Finally, heat treatment is economical. You can heat treat an entire structure, or treat only one room, while the rest of the facility remains operational.

Using heat for pest control is not a new concept. Heat treatment was first recorded in 1762 to control moths in France - 156