Professional heat treatment for bed bugs is a fast, thorough option that kills bed bugs at all life stages. Heat kills bed bugs when the insect or egg reaches a lethal temperature for the required time. According to Health Canada, integrated methods that include heat treatment combined with other steps offer the best results for managing bed bug infestations. Pestiseed Pest Control in Toronto uses proven heat technology to eliminate bed bugs quickly and safely from your home. We’ll explain how heat works, what to expect, and how to prepare so you can reclaim your space.
How heat kills Bed Bugs
Heat kills bed bugs by breaking down the proteins in their bodies. When the temperature rises high enough, Bed Bug Extermination cannot survive. Heat also reaches places that other treatments miss.
Heat works differently than chemicals or steam. Fans circulate warm air throughout your home. The heat reaches into cracks, behind walls, and inside furniture where bed bugs hide. This whole room approach beats spot treatments because bed bugs that escape one area have nowhere to go.
Research from Virginia Tech shows that eggs need higher temperatures or longer exposure than adult bed bugs. Adult bed bugs die faster, but eggs are tougher. This is why professional technicians monitor the entire room and hold heat at specific levels for a set time.
Temperature and time that work
The science is clear on what temperatures kill bed bugs. EPA research shows complete mortality at about 49°C held for 90 minutes in many real world conditions, with strong mortality at slightly lower temperatures with longer exposure.
Here are the proven safe numbers:
| Temperature (°C) | Exposure Time | Result |
| 49°C (120°F) | 90 minutes | Effective with longer exposure |
Professional operators often heat rooms to 50°C to 60°C and monitor many points with sensors to avoid cold spots. This balance protects your belongings while ensuring all bed bugs die. Your Pestiseed technician will set the temperature based on your room size, contents, and the severity of your infestation.
Eggs require the most heat. If you only achieve 50°C, eggs may survive unless the heat is held for a very long time. Professional heat treatment avoids this problem by reaching safe temperatures across the entire space.
How to prepare your home for a heat treatment
Preparing your home makes the treatment more effective and keeps your belongings safe. Follow this clear checklist now:
- Wash and dry all bedding on high heat. This kills any bed bugs and eggs in your sheets and blankets before treatment day.
- Bag and seal clothing and linens in plastic. Place them in large, clear plastic bags. Seal them tightly so they stay clean during treatment.
- Move small electronics and sensitive items as advised by your tech. Ask your Pestiseed technician which items should leave your home or be protected.
- Open all closet and cabinet doors. Heat needs to reach inside every space where bed bugs hide. Open everything.
- Unplug appliances and remove houseplants. Turn off and unplug any heat sensitive equipment. Remove plants to a safe location outside your home.
- Remove heat sensitive items like candles, certain plastics, or wax. These can melt or warp. Ask your tech if you are unsure about specific items.
- Clear floors and move furniture slightly away from walls. Leave space so fans can circulate air everywhere.
- Remove pets and arrange accommodation for them. Your pets cannot stay in your home during heat treatment. Board them or take them to a friend’s house.
- Arrange keys and access for the treatment team. Make sure Pestiseed technicians can enter and set up without delay.
- Review the prep sheet from your Pestiseed tech one day before. We provide a detailed prep guide. Check it the day before so nothing is missed.
Health Canada recommends integrated methods and gives practical prep guidance for Canadians dealing with bed bugs. Our team will supply a specific prep sheet tailored to your home.
Limits Risks and Common Problems
Heat treatment is very effective, but it has some limits and risks you should know about.
Cold spots are the biggest risk. Voids, wall cavities, or heavy furniture can block heat if airflow is poor. Virginia Tech research shows that bed bugs hiding in these spots may survive. Professional operators use fans and multiple sensors to reduce this risk. Pestiseed technicians place sensors throughout your home to check every corner and adjust equipment if needed.
Some materials can be heat sensitive. Most consumer electronics tolerate the heat if powered off, but delicate items like certain plastics, artwork, or collectibles may need removal. Always ask your technician for specific guidance.
Re-infestation is a real concern. Heat kills all the bed bugs inside your home right now. But it does not stop bed bugs from being brought back in later. Health Canada recommends integrated prevention methods including regular inspections, mattress encasements, and careful monitoring of used furniture. After treatment, continue to inspect your bed and furniture regularly. Keep mattress covers on your beds. Be careful when bringing used items into your home.
Pestiseed will discuss these risks with you and help you create a prevention plan.
Heat Treatment versus other Options
You have several ways to fight bed bugs. Here is how heat compares:
| Method | Speed | Reach | Safety | Cost |
| Heat | Fast (one day) | Entire room | Safe if prepped | Higher upfront |
| Chemicals | Slow (multiple visits) | Limited to sprayed areas | Requires caution | Lower per visit |
| Steam | Medium (several hours) | Only surfaces touched | Safe but slow | Medium |
| Biological (Aprehend) | Very slow (2+ weeks) | Applied areas | Very safe | Medium |
Orkin Canada notes that commercial operators use strict monitoring and safety steps to protect people and property during heat treatments. Health Canada recommends integrated methods that may combine heat, chemicals, and prevention.
Heat is often more expensive up front but can give faster results in many cases. You usually need just one heat treatment. Chemical treatments often require multiple visits over weeks or months. Combination treatments, heat plus follow up inspections, are often the smartest choice for fast, lasting results.
What to expect from Pestiseed Pest Control
These are the step by step process when you choose Pestiseed Pest Control for heat treatment in Toronto:
- Inspection: Our technician inspects your home to find evidence of bed bugs and understand your infestation.
- Written quote: We give you a clear, written price with no surprises.
- Prep guide: You receive a detailed prep sheet specific to your home. Follow it for the best results.
- Same day heat setup: On treatment day, we arrive early to set up heaters, fans, and sensors throughout your space.
- Multi point sensor monitoring: We monitor temperature at multiple locations to ensure even heat coverage and confirm lethal temperatures are reached.
- Post treatment inspection: After heat cools, we inspect your home and show you the results.
- Follow up check: We return for a follow up visit 2 to 4 weeks later to confirm all bed bugs are gone.
- Warranty window: Pestiseed offers a warranty on our work. If bed bugs return within the warranty period due to our treatment failure, we return at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will heat treatment damage my electronics?
Most consumer electronics survive heat treatment if powered off during the process. However, follow your technician’s instructions carefully. Some sensitive items like certain plastics, wax, or delicate materials may need removal. Ask your Pestiseed tech about any specific equipment you are concerned about.
How soon will I see results?
You often see dead bed bugs quickly after treatment. Full cleanup and confirmation may need follow up checks in 2 to 4 weeks to ensure complete elimination. Pestiseed includes these follow ups so you know the job is done right.
Do I need to leave my home?
Yes, you must usually leave your home during the heat treatment for safety. Your Pestiseed technician will tell you exactly how long you need to be away, typically 4 to 8 hours. Plan accordingly and arrange accommodation or stay with family.
Is heat better than pesticides?
Heat treatment reaches hiding bed bugs fast and kills all life stages in one day. Pesticides may be useful as a supplement in some cases. Integrated pest management plans that combine heat with prevention methods often work best. Pestiseed can discuss which approach fits your situation.
Aprehend bed bug treatment uses natural fungal spores to kill bed bugs. It provides long lasting protection, safe application, and effective results without harsh chemicals.
Heat treatment is a proven, fast way to eliminate bed bugs and reclaim your home. Professional heat reaches every hiding spot and kills all life stages in a single treatment. When you partner with Pestiseed Pest Control in Toronto, you get trained technicians, clear communication, and a warranty on our work.
Book your free heat treatment inspection with Pestiseed Pest Control in Toronto now. Call now +1 437-771-8717 & email us info@pestiseed.ca for a free quote. Your bed bug problem ends here.
