Heat treatment can clear bed bugs from a house in a single day. The crew brings commercial heaters and fans and places temperature probes in mattresses, chair cushions and along the walls. Most Monte Rio homes are ready to live in again by nightfall.
How Heat Gets the Job Done
Bed bugs and their eggs die when held at high temperature long enough, and unlike some sprays, heat does not run into resistance. Crews keep the coolest spots in each room at about 120°F or more, flipping mattresses and shifting cushions so the heat gets all the way through.
On Treatment Day
- PrepareItems that can melt or spoil come out, and heaters, fans and probes go in.
- HeatThe rooms climb to the target range over a few hours.
- MaintainThe crew watches the probes and moves things so no cool pockets hide bugs.
- Wrap upOnce rooms cool, the crew checks results and may treat edges with a residual product.
Heat Treatment in Monte Rio Homes
Heat appeals to households that want no pesticide on their beds and to people who would rather not bag up every closet, which matters for older residents living alone. Most homes in 95462 were built between the 1940s and 1960s, so the crew should check the electrical panel before plugging in and may bring its own generator. Drafty walls and high ceilings can stretch the time it takes to reach full heat.
Take These Out First
- Medicines, plants, pets, candles, crayons, cosmetics and aerosol cans.
- Photographs, records, wine and anything else that could warp, melt or spoil.
- Oxygen equipment and other items the crew flags.
- Leave clothing and bedding where they are unless the crew says otherwise.
Questions About Heat Treatment
Where does an older resident go during a heat treatment?
The house is off limits for most of the day, often 6 to 8 hours. A day with family, a friend nearby or a quiet spot in town usually works, and people can often return that evening once the rooms cool.
Can I use the wood stove to heat the room myself?
No. A stove or space heater cannot bring every corner to a lethal temperature, and the EPA warns that trying it this way can start a fire.
How your call is handled: Bed Bug Control CA is a free referral service. When you call or send the form, you are connected with an independent, licensed pest control company that serves Monte Rio. That company inspects, quotes and does the work.