The science behind heat treatment, free to read.
Our temperatures and hold times come from published bed bug research. Here are the studies we rely on, what each one found in plain language, and the guides and manuals we give our rental customers.
Four findings that shape how we treat.
- 7 hours
- Low heat leaves eggs alive.Eggs survived 7 hours at 45 °C but only about 72 minutes at 48 °C. That’s why we hold every surface above 50 °C.Read the University of Minnesota paper →
- 5 months
- Leaving home won’t starve them out.Older nymphs and adults survived on average between about 6 weeks and 5 months without feeding.Read the Virginia Tech paper →
- 2–7 h
- Your furniture can be treated, not thrown out.Treatments of 2 to 7 hours killed every exposed bed bug when the heat was contained and circulated.Read the University of Florida paper →
- 3 of 9
- Sprays often miss.Bed bug numbers dropped by about 97% on average, but only three lightly infested apartments were fully cleared.Read the Rutgers paper →
Read the studies yourself.
Each paper opens on its own page with a free PDF download.
Temperature and Time Requirements for Controlling Bed Bugs under Commercial Heat Treatment Conditions
Kells & Goblirsch · Insects, 2011Tested how hot, and for how long, bed bugs must be heated under conditions like a real whole-room treatment. Eggs proved much harder to kill than adults: they survived 7 hours at 45 °C but only about 72 minutes at 48 °C.
Why it matters: eggs set the target. Heating that kills adults can still leave eggs to hatch.
Read the Minnesota PaperLethal Effects of Heat and Use of Localized Heat Treatment for Control of Bed Bug Infestations
Pereira, Koehler, Pfiester & Walker · Journal of Economic Entomology, 2009Measured how quickly heat kills bed bugs, then treated furniture inside real rooms. Treatments of 2 to 7 hours killed every exposed bed bug when the heat was contained and circulated.
Why it matters: sealing the space and moving hot air with fans is as important as the heater itself.
Read the Florida PaperCan lower prescribed heat be used effectively to control bed bugs and their eggs?
Getty, Taylor & Lewis · Pest Control Technology, 2008A field test in a real house, heated as a whole structure at a lower temperature held for longer than the usual label. The researchers concluded that heat is an effective tool against bed bugs and their eggs in a building.
Why it matters: time at temperature counts, not just the peak temperature.
Read the Berkeley StudySurvivorship During Starvation for Cimex lectularius L.
Polanco, Miller & Brewster · Insects, 2011Followed four bed bug strains without food. Newly hatched nymphs were the most vulnerable, while older nymphs and adults survived on average between about 6 weeks and 5 months.
Why it matters: moving out for a few weeks doesn’t solve an infestation.
Read the Virginia Tech PaperEffectiveness of a Reduced-Risk Insecticide Based Bed Bug Management Program in Low-Income Housing
Singh, Wang & Cooper · Insects, 2013Ran a six-month insecticide-based program with monitoring and repeat visits in nine apartments. Bed bug numbers dropped by about 97% on average, but only three lightly infested apartments were fully cleared.
Why it matters: sprays can take months of visits and still miss, especially in heavier infestations.
Read the Rutgers PaperGuidelines for Prevention and Management of Bed Bugs in Shelters and Group Living Facilities
Gangloff-Kaufmann & Pichler · New York State IPM Program, 2008A practical handbook for shelters and shared housing: how to inspect, monitor, handle laundry and belongings, and keep bed bugs from spreading between residents.
Why it matters: useful for property managers and anyone running shared or group housing.
Read the GuidelinesBefore, during and after treatment.
Checklists and equipment manuals for our rental customers, plus the official BC health guide on bed bugs.
Heat Treatment Health and Safety Precautions
Our checklist of what to remove or protect before you heat a room.
→Mosebach Heater Guide & Specs
Specifications and operating information for the BK10-3, BK15-3 and BK20-3, from the manufacturer.
↗Fluke 62 MAX Infrared Thermometer Guide
User manual for the infrared thermometer used to check surface temperatures.
→HealthLinkBC File: Bed Bugs
The Province of BC’s official health information on bed bugs, bites and prevention.
↗Free training guides
Step-by-step guides written for our rental customers, from understanding bed bugs to preparing your home.
Ready to treat with heat?
Rent our complete kit for $600 / 2 days with free delivery and set-up across Metro Vancouver, or ask about buying a heater anywhere in Canada.
