When it comes to treating the unfortunate and always inconvenient occurrence of a bed bug infestation, there are two popular treatment options: chemical treatment and heat treatment. One thing is for sure, the best way to eliminate the problem is to hire a licensed and certified pest professional. It is extremely difficult to defeat a bed bug infestation without the expertise of a seasoned professional. Overall, chemical and heat treatment options are both effective, however more often than not, the chemical treatment option is preferred and here’s why.
Exterminating Bed Bugs
Benefits of Chemical Treatment
- Heat treatments have the potential to damage furniture, electronics, and other sensitive household items because the temperature in the residence needs to be 122 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period of time to kill the bed bugs. Often times those that choose heat treatment also use chemical treatment depending on the items that are sensitive to heat.
- Chemical treatments are not dependent upon the temperature in the home. Heat treatments can be less effective as the entire property must reach the 122 degree temperature for success. This means that pest professionals must continually check the temperature throughout the residence for it to work.
- Chemicals get rid of bed bugs significantly faster than heat. Chemical treatments take no longer than a couple hours and typically require 2-3 visits to ensure the bed bugs are completely wiped out. While heat treatments can take upwards of 8 hours and may require multiple visits.
- Chemical treatments for bed bugs provide prevention benefits from additional infestations long after the pest professional has completed his job. Once the heat treatment is complete it does not provide any additional protection from re-infestation so people tend to get a chemical treatment anyway after the heat treatment which is more expensive and more work for the pest professional.