Heat is one of the quickest ways to wipe out bed bugs. A crew sets up commercial heaters and fans, and temperature probes tucked into mattresses, cushions and wall edges track progress. Many San Miguel families sleep back in their own beds that same night.
Why Heat Works
Bed bugs and eggs die when held at a high enough temperature for long enough, and unlike some chemicals, heat is not something they can build resistance to. Crews aim to keep the coolest spot in each room at about 120°F or more, turning mattresses and lifting cushions so no layer stays cool.
How the Day Runs
- Set upItems that can melt or warp are removed, then heaters, fans and probes go in.
- Heat upOver several hours the rooms climb toward the target heat.
- HoldTechnicians track readings and shift belongings so every spot heats.
- FinishOnce rooms cool, the crew looks for survivors and may add a residual along baseboards.
Heat in San Miguel Homes
Vaulted ceilings, split-level floor plans and a detached unit out back all add time and equipment. Ask how many heaters the company will use, how it will handle each level and whether it needs extra power. Family photos, vinyl records and instruments should be discussed ahead of time, since some belong outside the heated rooms.
Remove These Beforehand
- Candles, lipstick, crayons, spray cans, medicine, plants and pets.
- Records, instruments, framed photos and anything that could bend or melt.
- Electronics or other items listed on the crew's sheet.
- Clothes and bedding in the rooms generally stay so the heat treats them as well.
Questions About Heat Treatment
Can the whole house be done in one day?
Often it can. For a larger home or a house plus a backyard unit, the crew may heat one zone at a time, so ask how the day will be divided.
Would running our furnace on high do the same thing?
No. The EPA notes that a home heating system cannot raise every spot in a room high enough to kill bed bugs, and portable heaters add a fire risk.
How your call is handled: Bed Bug Control CA is a free referral service. When you call or send the form, you are connected with an independent, licensed pest control company that serves San Miguel. That company inspects, quotes and does the work.