Essential Bed Bug Treatment Supplies for Heat

Heat treatments have become the new standard for eliminating bed bugs, leveraging high temperatures to eradicate these persistent pests without leaving behind toxic residues or requiring the building to be vacated for long periods. 

For individuals, businesses, and pest control operators, Convectex provides comprehensive heat treatment packages,equipped with fans, heaters, and other necessary equipment. However, successful heat treatment often requires additional supplies and preparations to ensure safety and efficiency. 

Below, we'll guide you through the essential items not typically included in heat treatment packages that may be necessary for a thorough and safe bed bug eradication process.

1. Sprinkler Covers

During heat treatment, it's vital to protect fire sprinklers from activating due to the high temperatures. Sprinkler covers are designed to shield these sensitive devices, preventing accidental discharge. These covers are easy to install and remove, providing a simple solution to avoid potential water damage and disruption during treatment.

Here is a link for more information about sprinkler covers. 

2. HVAC Vent Covers

HVAC vent covers prevent heat from escaping the treatment area, and help maintain a constant temperature in each space is necessary to effectively kill off all the pests inhabiting it.

Additionally, you don't want your air conditioning to counteract your heating efforts. To minimize airflow, cover your vents with plastic or cardboard and close the louver. 

3. Mattress and Box Spring Separators

Proper heat circulation is essential for effective treatment, and bed bugs often hide in the tight spaces between mattresses and box springs. Using separators or risers to prop up the mattress from the box spring ensures that hot air can flow freely around all surfaces, reaching every nook and cranny where bed bugs may be hiding. This simple step can significantly improve the thoroughness of the treatment. 

You don't need a sophisticated solution to this, but it needs to be something that can hold up the weight while maintaining airflow. Something like a wicker basket, storage box with holes in the sides, or even small solid blocks like yoga blocks can be effective choices. 

4. Secure Containers for Loose Papers

Heat treatment can be disruptive, and fans can blow around loose papers or documents and possibly be sucked into the heater. To prevent papers and documents from causing damage, ensure they're well-weighed down or stored in containers such as desk drawers or plastic bins. 

5. Safe Storage for Sensitive Items

High temperatures can damage certain heat-sensitive belongings. It's important to have a plan for these items and your plants and pets before beginning the heat treatment. Designate a safe storage area outside the treatment zone for plants and heat-sensitive belongings, and find somewhere for you and your pets to spend the duration of the treatment.

Heat-sensitive items can include high-value sentimental objects (better to be safe than sorry), aerosols and paints, food and drink, etc. Food inside your refrigerator should be fine, but some pantry foods will need to be relocated. 

6. Plastic Bags for Removing Heat Sensitive Items

Plastic bags are a convenient way to remove heat-sensitive items and prevent bed bugs from escaping and spreading during the removal process. Place these items in bags in the room before the treatment and take them to a safe area where they can be treated with a disinfectant wipe or cleaner. 

7. Temperature Monitors

Monitoring the temperature throughout the treatment area is crucial to ensure all bed bugs are exposed to lethal temperatures. Temperature monitors or sensors can be placed in various locations to track the heat levels, ensuring the treatment reaches the necessary threshold to kill bed bugs at all life stages. These devices provide real-time data and peace of mind, confirming that the treatment is proceeding effectively.

Check out these Temperature Monitors in the Shop

An Ounce of Preparation is Worth a Pound of Cure

Preparing for a bed bug heat treatment involves more than just having the right equipment. By ensuring you have these additional supplies on hand, you can maximize the effectiveness of your treatment and protect your belongings from potential damage.

At Convectex, we provide comprehensive heat treatment packages designed to meet all your bed bug eradication needs. Explore our range of products and take the first step towards a bed bug-free environment today. Click on the "Learn" tab in the menu to learn more about how to take control of your bed bug problems with confidence.