Heat can clear bed bugs from a house in one day, which is handy when the crew has made a long drive to Beckwourth. Technicians bring commercial heaters and fans and watch the temperature with probes placed inside mattresses, cushions and corners.
Why Heat Works
Bed bugs and their eggs die when held at high temperature long enough, and they cannot become resistant to heat. Our crew usually brings the coolest spot in each room to about 120°F or more, propping mattresses on edge and flipping cushions so the heat gets all the way through.
On Treatment Day
- PrepareHeat-sensitive items come out and heaters, fans and probes go in.
- HeatRooms are brought up to the target over several hours.
- HoldReadings are tracked and items moved until no cool spot is left.
- Wrap upOnce cool, results are reviewed and a residual may be added at the edges.
Heat in Older Sierra Valley Houses
Many homes in 96129 were built in the 1940s or the 1970s, and older framing and add-ons can leak heat. Ask whether the crew uses electric or propane heaters, whether it brings a generator and what your electrical panel needs to handle. Booking between late spring and early fall usually makes the job easier at this elevation.
Take These Out First
- Aerosol cans, lighters, ammunition, candles, medications, houseplants and pets.
- Photos, records and anything that can melt or warp.
- Electronics or instruments the crew names.
- Leave clothes and bedding in place unless told otherwise.
Questions About Heat Treatment
Is the house livable again by evening once the heaters shut off?
Most of the time, yes. After the rooms cool and the crew checks its temperature records, families usually return that evening.
Could we just crank up the wood stove instead?
No. The EPA cautions that home heating cannot warm a room evenly enough to kill bed bugs, and overfiring a stove or heater is a serious fire risk.
How it works: Bed Bug Control CA is a licensed California bed bug service. A licensed technician comes out to your Beckwourth address to look for signs. We quote in writing, then treat once you say yes.