One of the most effective techniques to remove bed bugs is heat treatment.
High temperatures of 56C and above can eliminate all bed bugs of any age and their eggs so it’s highly effective. This method also works quicker than alternative chemical treatments.
There are several necessary things to do to prepare your property for the bed bug heat treatment.
1. Get your bedroom ready
You’ll need to move each bed that requires treatment two feet away from the walls. Also, move any furniture placed against to allow our expert unhindered access to the skirting boards of the room. Bed linen must be washed at 60-90C, or if your bedding or mattress is heavily infested, they may have to be thrown out. Also, remove any items stored underneath the bed.
Finally, hoover your room, and focus on areas around furniture as bed bugs tend to lay eggs or hide in these areas.
2. Prepare your wardrobe and clothes.
Bed bugs like to hide in clothing, so treating your wardrobe is necessary during heat treatment. Leave clothes hanging in your wardrobe but don’t squash them together, which will allow the heat to circulate and kill any bed bugs.
Clothing outside your wardrobe should be washed and dried at the highest degree possible, or dry-clean clothes such as jackets or coats. Also, avoid putting clothes into plastic bags that prevents them from receiving the heat treatment.
3. Remove items that are sensitive to heat.
Of course, not all items in your house can endure heat exposure. These include flammable liquids, lighters, paint, glue, deodorants, and aerosol cans or pressurised containers. Other items include medications, or wax products that could melt, and electronic equipment which could be damaged by the heat.
If you have plants, fish tanks, or aquariums, temporarily move them to a suitable area to avoid exposure to heat.
What steps should you take after the treatment?
Once the bed bug heat treatment has been completed, you should open doors or windows to allow air to circulate. You should also remove any dead bugs that may have crawled into crevasses along the skirting boards by hoovering these areas before moving furniture and bedding back into place. Drawers are to be cleaned inside and outside with regular cleaning products.
Once you have completed this, you can comfortably sleep in your bed now that the bed bugs have gone.
However, in case of any surviving bed bugs you should ensure that mattresses are protected with covers to prevent them from escaping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is preparation important before bed bug heat treatment?
Preparation is essential because it allows heat to circulate properly throughout the property. Bed bugs hide in furniture, cracks, and cluttered areas, so removing barriers ensures the treatment reaches all hiding spots effectively.
Do I need to declutter my home before heat treatment?
Yes. Reducing clutter helps technicians access skirting boards, furniture joints, and other hidden areas. Items left in piles or blocked spaces can create cooler zones where bed bugs and eggs may survive.
Should clothes and bedding be washed before treatment?
Yes, where possible. Washing and drying fabrics on high heat helps reduce the risk of spreading bed bugs during preparation and ensures fewer hiding opportunities inside soft materials.
Do I need to move furniture away from walls?
Yes. Furniture is usually pulled away from walls so that heat can reach behind and underneath it. Bed bugs often hide in these areas, so access is critical for successful treatment.
Are there items I should remove before heat treatment?
Yes. Heat-sensitive items such as aerosols, wax products, some electronics, and certain plastics may need to be removed or protected, depending on professional advice.
What happens if I don’t prepare properly?
Insufficient preparation can reduce the effectiveness of treatment. Bed bugs may survive in hidden or insulated areas, which can lead to reinfestation and the need for further treatment.