Why heat kills bed bugs
Common bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) die at 45°C if held for long enough; their eggs die at 47°C. We target a sustained 55-60°C at the coldest monitored point in the room because that builds in a safety margin and accounts for the fact that bugs and eggs hide deep inside mattresses, skirting voids and electrical sockets where heat is slowest to penetrate. There is no chemical resistance to physics — every bed bug strain on earth dies at these temperatures.
The equipment
We use commercial electric heaters with industrial fans. Electric heat is precise, clean and safe indoors — propane (still common in cheaper operations) introduces moisture and carbon monoxide and is banned by every reputable UK pest body for residential work. Wireless temperature probes are placed in the worst-case cold spots: under the mattress, inside the bed frame, behind the headboard, under sofa cushions and inside drawer voids. Probes report live to a tablet so the technician knows exactly when the coldest point has held lethal temperature long enough.
Step-by-step on the day
1. Arrival and final walk-through — we confirm the rooms to treat, remove items that can't be heated (aerosols, candles, vinyl records, certain medications) and set up containment. 2. Probe placement — sensors go into every worst-case cold spot. 3. Heat ramp — heaters bring the air to 55-60°C over 60-90 minutes. 4. Hold and agitate — we maintain target temperature for at least two hours at the coldest probe, periodically moving furniture and flipping mattresses so heat reaches every void. 5. Cool-down and inspection — once cooled, we inspect harbourage points for live activity (there shouldn't be any) and apply a long-lasting residual barrier at entry routes for re-introduction protection. 6. Written report — you receive a temperature log, a photo record and your 6-month guarantee.
What you'll see afterwards
Dead bed bugs in the open. This is normal — the heat drives them out of harbourage as they try to escape, and they die in the open before they reach a cool zone. Hoover them up. You may also see darker staining where dead bugs collapsed; a damp cloth removes it. You can sleep in the bed the same night.
FAQs
How long does the whole treatment take?
Four to eight hours start to finish for a typical home, depending on the size of the heated zone and how cluttered it is.
Will heat damage my furniture or electronics?
No. 55-60°C is well below the damage threshold for solid wood, upholstery, mattresses, TVs and most electronics. We remove the handful of items that genuinely don't tolerate heat (listed in the prep guide).
Do I need to leave the property?
Yes, for the duration of the heat cycle and cool-down. Pets must leave too. We give you an exact return time at the start of the day.
Want this exact process at your property tonight? Call 0204 569 0701.
0204 569 0701