There are two main ways to go about eliminating bed bugs: You can either use of heat or chemicals. While both of these bed bug treatment options can effectively get rid of an infestation, they work in very different ways. Use the below insight to understand the difference between heat and chemical bed bug treatments to determine which is the best one for your household.

Chemical Treatments

First, homeowners must follow the preliminary preparation instructions provided by the exterminator during the initial bed bug inspection. This typically involves washing and drying all bedding, clothes, and other linens in the infested space on very high heat, then storing them in plastic bags. After that, they should vacuum all floors, furniture, and mattresses while checking through the remaining exposed personal items, including in the nooks of toys and between the pages of books, to ensure they are bed bug-free before also storing them in plastic bags.

For chemical-based bed bug treatments, most pest control services utilize a three-step process. Once everything around the home has been properly contained, the exterminator will return and apply adulticide liquids, followed by insect growth regulators. Lastly, they will dust or aerosol the area, and often dry steam clean beds and other furniture items.The three applications are usually performed two weeks apart. During this time, one should enter the residence until the insecticides have dried and the pest control service have given the all-clear.

Heat Treatments

Bed bug heat treatment, by contrast, is faster and requires less preparation. Unlike with chemical bed bug treatments, this extermination tactic requires all items in the home remain out, positioned in full range of the heat for maximum exposure.

The treatment process begins with a propane heat system that is set up outside the home, with attached ducts that carry heated air into the infested rooms of your home. Temperatures on the propane system are closely monitored by the pest control specialist, to ensure the heat temperature reaches the desired 125 degrees. Fans placed strategically around the interior of the home to heat all items inside the property, including inside the walls, under the carpeting, and between the floorboards.The intense heat, which can reach up to 145 degrees, kills the bed bugs, including their eggs, in a procedure that typically takes no more than three hours.

In spite of the differences noted above, both bed bug treatment tactics are viable pest control solutions to terminate your infestation. Located in Lewisburg, OH, the exterminators at AllPest Pest Control & Wildlife Removal have been eradicating infestations throughout Preble, Darke, Montgomery, and Miami counties for over three decades. In addition to heat and chemical bed bug treatments, they also offer termite treatments, rodent control services, and raccoon removals. To schedule a bed bug inspection, call (937) 884-5646 or visit their website. Also, be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter for other important tips, deals, and information.