Heat is a guaranteed way of killing bed bugs because unlike pesticides, they cannot build up immunity to it. Here we will discuss how to kill them with bed bug heaters, and how these devices work, along with the pros and cons. We will also review three of the best bed bug heaters you can buy – the Dr. Infrared heater DR-122, the ZappBug Oven and the ThermalStrike Ranger.
Topics Covered
- What is a bed bug heater and how does it work?
- What can be put inside a heater?
- Pros and cons
- The best bed bug heaters
- Conclusion
What is a bed bug heater and how does it work?
A portable bed bug heater is a compact and mobile device designed to treat smaller items or localized areas for bed bug infestations using high temperatures. These heaters are typically used for treating items that may be difficult to treat with larger heat treatment setups or for targeting specific areas where bed bugs are suspected to be hiding. Portable bed bug heaters are often used in conjunction with other pest control methods as part of an integrated approach to eliminating bed bugs.
Here’s how a portable bed bug heater works:
Preparation: Similar to larger heat treatments, preparation is crucial. Items being treated should be properly cleaned, vacuumed, and organized. Items that could be damaged by heat or are heat-sensitive should be removed or protected.
Placing Items: The items to be treated are placed inside the portable heater. These items could include clothing, bedding, luggage, small furniture, and personal belongings. The heater should be loaded in a way that allows heated air to circulate around the items.
Temperature and Time Control: The portable bed bug heater is turned on, and the temperature is gradually raised to the target range, which is usually between 120°F (49°C) to 140°F (60°C). The heater typically has built-in temperature controls and sensors to ensure that the desired temperature is reached and maintained.
Heating Process: The items inside the heater are exposed to the elevated temperature for a period of time, usually several hours. During this time, the heat penetrates the items and effectively kills bed bugs and their eggs.
Cooling Down: After the treatment time is completed, the heater is turned off, and the items are allowed to cool down. Once the items are safe to handle, they can be removed from the heater.
When using portable bed bug heaters, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines. Improper use can pose safety hazards, and not all items can withstand high temperatures, so caution is advised.
What can be placed inside the heating chamber?
When using a portable bed bug heater, there are certain items that can be safely treated and others that should not be placed inside the heater. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for proper and safe use. Here’s a general overview of what you can and cannot place inside a portable bed bug heater:
Items that can be placed inside a bed bug heater:
Clothing and Bedding: Clothing, bedding, and linens are commonly treated in portable heaters. These items are often infested with bed bugs or their eggs and can be effectively treated with heat.
Small Furniture: Small pieces of furniture, such as chairs, cushions, and small tables, can be treated in portable heaters if they are small enough to fit and the materials can withstand the heat.
Luggage and Bags: Suitcases, backpacks, and other bags that may have been exposed to bed bugs can be treated in a portable heater to eliminate any potential infestations.
Shoes and Accessories: Shoes, hats, belts, and other accessories can often be treated safely, but be careful with materials that are heat-sensitive or contain adhesives.
Items that should not be placed inside a bed bug heater:
Electronics: Most electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets, should not be placed in a portable heater as the high temperatures can damage sensitive components.
Plastics and Meltable Items: Items made of plastic or other heat-sensitive materials that could melt or deform under high temperatures should not be placed in the heater.
Medications and Cosmetics: Heat can potentially affect the potency and stability of medications and cosmetics.
Items with Adhesives: Items containing adhesives, such as stickers or labels, might not fare well under high temperatures.
Food and Beverages: Consumable items should be kept out of the heater as the heat can affect their quality and safety.
Items with Batteries: Items with batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries, can be sensitive to high temperatures and should not be placed in the heater.
Always refer to the specific guidelines provided by the manufacturer of the portable bed bug heater to determine what can and cannot be treated.
If you are fairly certain that bed bugs are in your electronic equipment, then try this instead.
What are the pros and cons of using a portable bed bug heater?
Using a portable bed bug heater can have both advantages and disadvantages, depending on the specific circumstances and the items you’re treating. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros of using a bed bug heater:
Effective Heat Treatment: When used correctly, portable bed bug heaters can effectively eliminate bed bugs and their eggs at all life stages. That’s because high temperatures can penetrate items and crevices where bed bugs hide, providing a thorough treatment.
Chemical-Free: Heat treatment is a non-chemical approach to pest control, making it a suitable option for those who prefer not to use toxic pesticides.
Localized Treatment: Portable heaters allow you to treat specific items or localized areas, making them ideal for smaller infestations or for treating individual belongings.
Reduced Risk of Resistant Bugs: Unlike some chemical treatments, bed bugs are less likely to develop resistance to heat, making it a reliable option for eliminating infestations.
Fast and Eco-Friendly: Heat treatment can be quicker than other methods, and it has minimal environmental impact compared to some chemical treatments.
Cons of using a bed bug heater:
Risk of Uneven Heating: There can be uneven heating if items are not properly arranged inside the heater. This leads to cold spots where bed bugs could survive.
Heat Sensitivity: Some items may be heat-sensitive and could be damaged or altered by high temperatures. This limits what can be treated in the heater.
Safety Concerns: Operating a bed bug heater requires following safety guidelines to prevent fire hazards and ensure personal safety.
The best bed bug heaters
Here we have listed the best electric bed bug heaters for sale – the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-122, the ZappBug Oven, Haoguo and the ThermalStrike Ranger.
Dr. Infrared Heater DR-122 Bed Bug Heater
The Dr. Infrared Heater DR-122 comes with everything you will need to kill those pesky bed bugs.
The tent is sizeable at three and a half feet tall and can fit most household items with ease. It’s made from heavy-duty nylon and has industrial-grade zippers which makes it extremely durable, while also being portable and collapsible for easy out-of-the-way storage when not in use.
Inside the tent is a 2 tier steel rack that helps prevent cluttering and a quiet turbofan, both of which help prevent hot and cold spots. The product uses radiant heating which heats up to 120-155°F (50-70°C) in minutes.
Additional features include a thermostat and a timer that automatically shuts everything off once the desired temperature has been reached.
The Dr. Infrared Heater DR-122 bed bug heater also comes with a limited 1-year manufacturer warranty.
The product has dimensions of 38 x 26 x 38 inches and weighs 27 pounds.
The ZappBug Oven – XL Bed Bug Heater
The ZappBug Oven is efficient and easy to use. Setting up and using the product is incredibly straightforward. It’s a one-person task that involves loading items into the large collapsible tent, then pressing the power button, and letting the heater do its job.
The tent has dimensions of 39.5 inches-by-39.5 inches-by-28 inches (or 1 meter-by-1 meter-by-70 centimeters) – so it offers ample space to treat various household items, such as dining room chairs, shoes, books, clothes, bedding, and small furniture pieces.
The product is well-constructed and includes support blocks, a support net, thermal units, a thermometer and a sensor pack – while the fabric shell and carry bag allows for easy storage and transportation.
The bed bug heater’s programmable heaters and wireless thermometer allows you to precisely monitor the temperature inside the chamber and ensure that items are heated to the appropriate level and for the necessary duration to eliminate bed bugs effectively.
Better yet, its portable and foldable design make it ideal for both home and travel use.
The product has dimensions of 43 x 22.8 x 42 inches and weighs 21.5 pounds.
ThermalStrike Ranger Bed Bug Heater
The ThermalStrike Ranger Bed Bug Heater has a smaller compartment size than the Dr. Infrared Heater DR-122. On the other hand, it uses a unique patented heating system and is the preferred choice among many professional exterminators at their own homes.
The tent, which measures 18″ x 14″ x 29″ inches, has an internal PVC enclosure with welded construction. This makes it perfectly sealed to prevent heat loss and bed bugs from escaping during treatment. The outer shell is made from durable 420D nylon with industrial-grade zippers. On the inside, temperatures of over 120°F (49°C) will be reached, which is enough to kill bed bugs at all of their life-stages.
Safety is of extreme importance when dealing with bed bug heaters which is why the product has been lab certified for safety. It includes a built-in timer, a digital thermometer and has been constructed from UL parts.
The product has dimensions of 18.31 x 14.25 x 7.36 inches and weighs 8.5 pounds.
Haoguo Bed Bug Heater
The Haoguo Bed Bug Heater is a versatile and efficient solution for addressing bed bug infestations. It is designed with user convenience and safety in mind, and offers several features that make it a valuable addition to any household, RV, or travel setup.
One of its best features is its rapid heating capability. The internal core temperature quickly reaches 122℉, thanks to the incorporation of 4 aluminum foil heat conduction sheets. It also has something called the ‘safe touch feature’ – where the heat penetrates the core without damaging the contents and is safe to touch. This feature is particularly reassuring for households with children and pets.
The bed bug heater has customizable settings that cater to different treatment scenarios. This includes a multi-time setting (ranging from 2 to 12 hours) and multi-heating gear setting (1-10 grades), which allow users to tailor the treatment process according to their specific needs.
Another great feature is the UL certified self-extinguishing tubes that guarantee stable circuit connections, and the overall insulation and flame retardant material contributes to maximum heating safety. And the heater is very energy-efficient because of its low maximum power consumption of 170W.
The package includes a thermometer with a probe to monitor the internal temperature of the heater. Just keep in mind that batteries for the thermometer are not provided. AAA Carbon Zinc Batteries are recommended for optimal performance.
The product has dimensions of 5 x 8 x 2 inches and weighs 6.6 pounds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, electric bed bug heaters offer a potent and non-chemical solution for eliminating bed bug infestations. They work by raising temperatures to levels lethal for bed bugs, ensuring effective eradication. While they have pros such as targeted treatment, minimal resistance risk, and eco-friendliness, they can also have drawbacks like heat-sensitive items and safety concerns.
To achieve successful results, it’s advisable to combine bed bug heaters with professional guidance for a comprehensive pest management strategy.
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