All stages of bed bugs are killed by 7 minutes exposure to temperatures of 114.8 degrees F (46 degrees C) (Quarles 2007). (You can find the relevant article — “Bed Bugs Bounce Back” — by searching on the Armed Forces Pest Management Board,
Defense Pest Management Information Analysis Center Literature Retrieval System, with the input “Quarles 2007 bed bugs.”)

Here’s the problem: this temperature must be reached and maintained throughout the item (at its core). So a room temperature of 114.8 F will not do it in seven minutes. Only close monitoring of the core temperatures of the densest items will ensure bed bugs are killed.

The Packtite is often used to heat treat small items. The manufacturer recommends heating the contents to 120 degrees F at their core (using a temperature probe) and then leaving the unit running for an additional hour. (You can read more about that in our Packtite FAQ.)

We understand that professionals undertaking thermal treatments of a home or apartment quickly get the temperature up to 120 degrees F and keep it there or higher for hours longer, in order to ensure bed bugs do not remain in the space. (Reaching the temperature quickly appears to be important.) We caution anyone against trying to treat their own home with thermal heat, because of the difficulty of ensuring all bed bugs and eggs are killed, and for safety reasons.

Comments are now closed. Please post a message on our Bedbugger Forums if you have questions or need support. If you have suggestions for improving the FAQs, you can contact me here.

Does any one know the answer.

Thanks

Detecting Stealthy Bed Bugs

If you think you have bed bugs but the Pest Control Operator cannot find obvious signs, they may use an active bed bug monitoring tool like the CDC 3000 (which can be purchased by anyone, but is running about $950 as of 4/2009). Read more about the CDC 3000 here [link to CDC 3000 review].

Your PCO may also decide to employ a passive bed bug monitor. Right now, the most common is probably the Climbup (TM) Interceptor. You place disks under the legs of beds, sofas, chairs, etc. They run about $60 for a dozen, and so are affordable. Anyone can purchase them.

Climbup (TM) Interceptors will not necessarily trap a bed bug sample — bed bugs have to leave or climb onto the piece of furniture in order to be caught. However, they will be a helpful detection device in many cases. And they are great for people who don’t have bed bugs yet, as they would detect bed bugs which come in to feed on you via attached apartments or houses. You can read more about this product here. [link to Climbup TM review.]

Finally, dogs are now being trained to sniff out bed bugs. Canine scent detection can be an effective option. They are not 100% effective, but can be better than a human visual search. It is crucial to understand that training methods vary. Canine dog handlers should know how to carefully search for a bed bug or egg in the vicinity after a dog alerts. Otherwise, you have no way of verifying whether you might have a false positive.

If you are looking for a canine scent detection unit, please come to the forums [link to forums], though keep in mind that competing schools of dog training may have different perspectives; bedbuggers who have hired dogs in your area may be able to make suggestions about reputable firms.

The City of Boston Inspectional Services Division orders landlords to inspect the entire building and TREAT all units adjacent to an infested one. You may be able to use this to help convince them to treat.

That said, in some areas it is illegal to treat if they have not found evidence of bed bugs.

And evidence can be tricky to spot.

If they will treat — especially with a dust — it may catch any migrants. It is best for pros to do this since they will do it safely and effectively. We hear people often do not follow safety precautions and often misapply or overapply dusts.

Keep in mind also that although your stuff is moved away from the common wall, bed bugs can walk, far. If they get to your side of the wall, they will infest your home.

I hate to sound negative also, but keep in mind you may not react to bed bug bites and signs may be difficult to spot at first. Try to get the PCO to set you up with some Climbup Insect Interceptors (which are little traps you put under the legs of the bed or chair) to help you monitor. More effective than more commonly used glue traps…

Please come to the forums if you need more support: http://bedbugger.com/forum/

The length of time you had the mattress is not a factor. Bed bugs are a transmittable pest. Anyone can get them.

The marks you mention may be a sign. Please read the FAQs and come to the forums if you want to discuss this further.