Quick Answer
Taking all clothes and fabrics out of the home for heat treatment is usually recommended when dealing with a bed bug infestation, as bed bugs can hide deep in the fibers of fabric items. However, there are some exceptions where you may be able to treat fabrics in-place using preparation techniques like bagging and shutting off closets. Discuss options with your pest control professional.
Overview of Heat Treatments for Bed Bugs
Heat treatments, also known as thermal remediation, involve heating the entire home or targeted areas to temperatures of 122-135°F for an extended period. High temperatures kill all stages of bed bugs. Heat treatments are an effective non-chemical way to eliminate bed bugs in one treatment.
There are two main types of heat treatments:
- Whole-house heat treatments raise the temperature of the entire home at once.
- Localized heat treatments target specific rooms or areas.
Whole-house heat treatments require the most preparation because all belongings must be removed. Localized heat treatments allow more flexibility because you only have to remove items from the treated spaces.
Why Remove Fabrics and Clothes?
Fabrics provide excellent hiding spots for bed bugs. Eggs can be deposited into tiny crevices in materials. All stages of bed bugs, from eggs to adults, can crawl deep into fabric fibers for protection.
Heat needs to penetrate fabrics to kill bed bugs inside. Leaving clothes and other items in place creates cold spots that can harbor surviving bugs. Any remaining bed bugs can then re-infest the home after treatment.
This is why pest management professionals usually recommend removing all fabrics and clothing before a heat treatment. Thorough removal of belongings ensures temperatures are evenly distributed for maximum effectiveness.
When Can Fabrics Stay During Treatment?
While removing everything is ideal, there are some exceptions where fabrics may be able to stay in place for heat treatment if properly prepared:
Sealed Plastic Bags
You can bag clothing and fabrics in tightly sealed plastic bags, removing as much air as possible. This eliminates hiding spots and allows heat to permeate. Make sure bags are bed bug proof by using plastic totes or double bagging with zip ties. Inspect carefully and discard any bags with holes or damage after treatment.
Isolated Closets
If you are doing a localized heat treatment of certain rooms only, clothes can sometimes remain hanging in closets of untreated rooms. The closet doors must be shut tight and sealed with painter’s tape all around the edges. This prevents bed bugs from dispersing to cooler areas during heating. Monitor these areas closely after treatment.
Sealing Furniture
You may be able to enclose fabrics and cushions on furniture like couches and chairs in the treatment area. Use plastic sheeting and tape to seal cracks and joints. Monitor carefully – any openings can allow bed bugs to escape the heat.
Washing and Drying
Washing and drying clothes and linens on the highest heat settings recommended for the fabric will kill bed bugs and eggs. This can be done either before or after the heat treatment process.
Steps for Safe Removal of Belongings
If you do need to remove all fabrics and clothing, follow these recommendations for safe handling:
- Sort items directly into plastic bags as you pack.
- Tie bags shut immediately and shake items to dislodge any bugs.
- Store sealed bags in a separate area like a garage, not inside the home.
- Washing and drying clothes on high heat before returning kills any remaining bed bugs.
- Inspect bags thoroughly before bringing items back – discard any with rips, holes, etc.
You’ll also need to remove other items that could harbor bed bugs like:
- Stuffed animals
- Curtains and drapes
- Towels and linens
- Papers and books
- Shoes and coats
Work with your pest management professional to develop a comprehensive prep plan and packing timeline.
Using Professional Heat Treatment Services
While you can rent heat treatment equipment, it’s advisable to hire a licensed pest control company for bed bugs. Professionals have the right tools and experience to handle the process safely and effectively. Benefits of professional heat treatment include:
- Detailed inspection to identify the extent of infestation.
- Guidance on effective preparation of the home.
- Proper sealing of the structure to contain the heat.
- Monitoring and control of temperatures throughout treatment.
- Follow up inspections to confirm elimination.
Professional heat treatments typically cost $1,500-$3,500 for a single family home, depending on size and factors like access and building materials. Costs are higher for multi-unit buildings. While expensive, keep in mind heat treatments require less prep and labor than chemical applications since belongings don’t have to be washed or discarded. There are also no residuals or restrictions on re-entry after heating is complete.
What to Expect During a Heat Treatment
Here are some key things to expect on the day of your scheduled heat treatment:
- You will need to vacate the home for 4-8 hours during the actual heating process.
- Technicians will arrive with large heating machines and ductwork.
- They will go through the home sealing up entry points, vents, windows, etc.
- Heating units are set up and temperatures gradually raised to treatment range.
- Fans circulate hot air to eliminate cold spots and ensure even heating.
- Technicians monitor temperatures in all rooms until criteria is met.
- The home is allowed to cool down naturally overnight.
- Fans may be left running and you may return once the home reaches a safe temperature.
You may notice a hot, musty smell for a few days afterwards as materials off-gas from the heat exposure. This is normal and will dissipate over time as the home is aired out. A thorough follow up inspection is key to confirm the treatment was successful.
Preparing the Home for Effective Heat Treatment
Proper preparation is crucial for heat treatments to succeed. Here are some key steps you’ll need to complete before the technicians arrive:
- Declutter – Remove excess belongings and furnishings to allow heat circulation.
- Launder fabrics – Wash and dry clothes, linens, curtains on the hottest settings.
- Clean floors – Vacuum and mop hard floors thoroughly.
- Remove wall hangings – Take down artwork, mirrors, curtains.
- Take out trash – Empty wastebaskets completely.
- Rearrange furniture – Pull pieces away from walls for airflow.
- Inspect electronics – Ensure equipment can withstand high temperatures.
Check with your pest management provider for a detailed prep sheet. Proper preparation saves time and money while ensuring successful elimination.
What to Do After Heat Treatment
Keep following these tips after your home has been heat treated:
- Dry clean or launder clothing and fabrics before putting away.
- Vacuum floors thoroughly and discard the vacuum bag.
- Clean and sanitize surfaces to remove residue and dead bed bugs.
- Perform a thorough inspection of beds and furniture before reassembling.
- Continue monitoring for any signs of bed bugs over the coming weeks.
- Call the pest control company immediately if you see any live bugs or new evidence.
Ongoing prevention measures will help guard against re-introducing bed bugs from outside sources. Be cautious when acquiring used furniture and clutter. Thoroughly inspect after traveling and isolate luggage until it can be laundered and inspected. Catching any signs early allows for targeted treatment before widespread infestation recurs.
Potential Drawbacks of Heat Treatments
While heat treatment can eliminate bed bugs in one session, there are some drawbacks to consider:
- Extensive preparation is required to remove or protect belongings.
- The high temperatures can damage heat-sensitive items left behind.
- Resealing the home tightly traps odors that can linger after heating.
- Neighbors in shared housing may be impacted during the process.
- Bed bugs in adjacent untreated rooms may not be fully eradicated.
- It can be expensive compared to conventional chemical treatments.
Advanced planning and hiring experienced professionals helps mitigate these factors. But ongoing vigilance is still required after treatment to detect any areas that may require follow up.
Alternatives to Heat Treatment
If heat treatment is not practical for your situation, alternatives include:
Chemical treatments using insecticides labeled for bed bugs. Typically requires multiple visits over weeks. Preparation involves decluttering and bagging belongings.
Cold treatments using liquid nitrogen or CO2 to freeze bed bugs. Limited research on effectiveness. May damage furnishings.
Combination heat and chemical treatments using both methods together. This comprehensive approach provides the best chance of eliminating infestations.
Discuss options thoroughly with your pest management professional to determine the best solution for your home and belongings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot do heat treatments get?
Temperatures typically range from 122°F to 135°F and are sustained for at least 1 hour after reaching the target level.
What items should not be heated?
Avoid exposing flammable liquids, plastics, wax, candles, aerosol cans, batteries, medicine, plants, and pets to high heat treatments.
Do electronics need to be removed?
Portable electronics should be removed. Evaluate fixed equipment like security systems to ensure it can tolerate temperatures over 120°F.
What about appliances and kitchen cabinets?
Appliances and installed cabinets can typically stay in place for whole home treatments. The contents still need to be removed and bagged.
Do I have to turn off gas or electric service?
No, utilities can remain on during treatment. Technicians will seal vents and prevent heat escape through chimneys.
Can bed bugs escape the heat?
Bed bugs will try to flee to cooler spots but a properly conducted treatment leaves nowhere to hide. Sealing the home prevents any escape.
The Bottom Line
Removing all fabrics like clothing before a heat treatment provides the most effective elimination of bed bugs hiding deep inside. However, there are some exceptions where items in plastic bags or enclosed rooms may be able to stay in place. Have an open discussion with your pest management professional about options for your specific belongings and situation. With proper preparation and technique, heat treatments provide a proven way to wipe out infestations in one intensive session. Maintain vigilance after heating and take preventive measures to avoid any renewed bed bug problems in your home.