What besides heat kills bed bugs?

Thermal Vs. Chemical Treatment Time Involved

Thermal remediation is completed in one visit, which generally takes ten to twelve hours from start to finish. A properly executed chemical treatment requires three treatments, spaced out evenly over a six week period. The time involved with chemical treatments varies from location to location, usually taking approximately one to two hours, however first treatment can run anywhere from 2 -8 hours depending on size of the property and amount of techs sent.

Preparation

Chemical extermination for bed bugs requires a lengthy preparation, which causes displacement throughout the course of the treatment. This preparation includes, but is not limited to, the full processing of all clothing, linens, curtains and other fabrics (done by washing/drying or dry cleaning), reducing clutter, emptying drawers, and much more. Many items are required to be placed in sealed bags, which must remain this way for the entire treatment. The average prep time runs between 1-3 days. (See prep list for specifics). Thermal remediation requires the removal of items that would be affected by the heat. Examples of such items include wax candles, fire arms and explosives, aerosol cans, batteries, and other items. For a full preparation list for either treatment, please click here.

Overall Procedure Thermal

The first step in thermal remediation is an inspection/estimate. Our technician/estimator will determine the size of your home, property, office, etc.; what needs to be removed and treated in ways other than heat; and explain the overall preparation. During the estimate, we will explain the entire procedure, show you what needs to be prepared, determine heater amounts and crew size, estimate time requirements, etc.

Chemical Procedure

During our chemical treatments for bed bugs, we provide three individual visits. During the course of treatments, our technicians apply different products and chemicals as well as use steam. The products used are based on the latest efficacy studies as to what is most effective now in killing bed bugs. This is important because we are finding more and more cases of resistance to pesticides. We steam cracks and crevices, couches, beds stuffed chairs etc. to help eliminate eggs as well as insects. In addition we inject wall outlets and switch plates with dust. If there are hardwood floors with lots of cracks and crevices in them we will apply food grade DE to these areas. Following each chemical treatment, healthy residents will need to remain out of the treated area for a minimum of four hours (time required is different for elderly, children, and those with certain medical conditions). In order to treat, all prep work must be done properly.

Safety

Thermal is safer for households with small children, cancer survivors, pregnancy, or people in ill health. Although we can use all natural products such as food grade DE and steam, for chemical treatments, this will increase the number of visits required and thus the cost of a chemical treatment.

Thermal Temperature

ThermaFume operates at 140 degrees except in cases of delicate items such as pianos or antique furniture. We can fumigate these items or reduce our temperature and cook for a longer time period. Average cook time once we reach our optimal temp is 4 hours. In cases with a lot of clutter this can be extended to 6 hours.

**Please note that the procedures outlined represent only the procedures followed by A3 Superior Pest Control, and ThermaFume.