In a single working day, heat can wipe out bed bugs throughout a home. The crew brings commercial heaters, fans and sensors that read the temperature inside mattresses, cushions and wall gaps. Most Midpines households sleep at home again that night.
Why Heat Works
Bugs and eggs die when high heat is held long enough, and they cannot build resistance to it the way they can to some pesticides. The crew keeps the coolest spots in each room at about 120°F or more, shifting mattresses and cushions until every layer reaches that point.
The Treatment Day
- PrepThe crew removes heat sensitive items and places heaters, fans and probes.
- Ramp upRoom temperatures climb slowly over a few hours.
- HoldReadings are watched and items moved until no cool spots are left.
- Cool downAfter the kill is confirmed, rooms cool and a residual can be added at the edges if you want one.
Heat in Older Midpines Homes
Heat suits hosts who need a cabin back in service quickly and families who want no pesticide on beds. Many houses in 95345 date from before 1940 or the 1960s, so ask whether the crew will run a generator or use your electrical panel. Board and batten walls and open rafters can leak heat, so the crew may need extra fans or covering.
Remove These First
- Propane bottles, aerosol cans, lighters, candles, medicine and plants.
- Pets, plus birds or aquariums if the crew asks.
- Photos, art, vinyl records and anything that can melt.
- Other items on the crew's list, while most clothes and bedding can stay.
Questions About Heat Treatment
Can we sleep at home that night?
In most cases. When the rooms cool and the crew has finished its readings, families usually move back in by evening.
Could a wood stove or space heater do the same thing?
No. Household heaters warm a room unevenly and cannot bring every mattress, drawer and wall gap to a lethal temperature for long enough. The EPA warns against do it yourself heat because of fire danger.
How your call is handled: Bed Bug Control CA runs its own bed bug inspections and treatments. We schedule a licensed technician to check your Midpines home. We quote in writing, then treat once you say yes.