Heat Treatment Protocols
Using thermal energy to kill pests by raising temperatures to lethal levels - understanding thermal death points, heat distribution, and monitoring requirements.
Detailed Overview
Heat treatments kill all pest life stages including eggs without chemicals. Bed bugs: lethal temperature 118°F for 90 minutes or 122°F for 60 minutes. Drywood termites: 120°F for 35 minutes or 130°F for 15 minutes. Stored product pests: 140°F for 24 hours or higher temperatures for shorter times. Equipment: electric or propane heaters to heat rooms/structures to target temperature. Critical: temperature monitoring with wireless sensors throughout treated space - minimum 1 sensor per room plus sensors in voids, tight spaces, and cool spots. Heat distribution challenges: cold spots in closets, under furniture, in wall voids. Use fans to circulate air ensuring even heating. Monitor continuously - temperatures must reach and maintain lethal level in all areas simultaneously. Prep requirements: remove heat-sensitive items (medications, aerosols, candles, vinyl, electronics), seal unit to retain heat. Advantages over chemicals: kills all life stages including eggs in one treatment, no resistance development, no chemical residues. Limitations: expensive specialized equipment, 4-8 hours per treatment, no residual protection, reinfestation possible immediately. Best for: bed bug cleanout in single units, drywood termite localized treatment, commercial facility sanitation. Not practical for: ongoing prevention, whole building treatments (too expensive), situations requiring residual protection.
When to Use
Primary method for bed bug elimination in single units. Localized drywood termite treatment. Food facility pest sanitation. Use when chemical-free treatment required or resistance suspected.
Required Skill Level
Should only be performed by licensed pest management professionals
Benefits
- Kills all life stages including eggs
- Single treatment eliminates infestation
- No chemical residues
- Cannot develop resistance (physical kill)
- Effective for pesticide-resistant populations
- Preferred by chemical-sensitive customers
Limitations
- Expensive equipment and labor
- No residual protection - reinfestation possible
- Cannot treat whole buildings economically
- Risk of heat damage if temperatures excessive
- Requires extensive prep and monitoring
- Weather affects treatment difficulty
Related Concepts
Other techniques that may be useful
Crack and Crevice Treatment
Pesticide application method that places insecticides directly into cracks, crevices, and voids where pests hide, minimizing exposure to people and pets.
HEPA Vacuuming
Non-chemical pest removal using High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum cleaners to physically remove pests, eggs, droppings, and allergens.
Steam Cleaning
Non-chemical pest control using high-temperature steam to kill pests, eggs, and larvae on contact.