Bed Bug Heat Treatment

Why heat treatment is the most effective bed bug solution in the UK

Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate with chemicals. UK bed bug populations are widely resistant to the pyrethroid sprays that pest controllers used for decades, and even effective sprays do not penetrate bed bug eggs. That's why traditional treatments need multiple visits — and why so many infestations return.

Heat treatment works differently. By raising the air temperature of the affected rooms to 60–65°C and holding it there for at least 90 minutes, every life stage of the bed bug dies simultaneously. There are no eggs left to hatch and no nymphs to regroup. The infestation ends in a single day.

The benefits of chemical-free treatment

• No residue. Nothing is sprayed, fogged or applied to surfaces. Children and pets can return the same evening with no exposure risk.
• Safe for sensitive households. Asthma, pregnancy, allergies, immune-compromised residents — heat introduces no chemical risk.
• Listed-building friendly. No solvents on original timber, no staining of period plaster.
• Lease-compliant. Most managed apartment blocks restrict chemical pest control inside units — heat treatment isn't restricted because nothing is applied to surfaces.
• No environmental discharge. No pesticide enters drains, watercourses or the building's air filtration.

The five stages of a heat treatment visit

1. Inspection and survey

On arrival we identify the extent of infestation, note harbourage points and decide which rooms need treatment. We also identify the ‘coolest points’ — typically deep in mattresses, inside wardrobes and behind skirting — and place wireless temperature sensors there.

2. Deployment

We set up industrial electric & diesel heaters and circulating fans. Door gaps are sealed to keep heat in and away from neighbours. We bring our own power supply where required.

3. Ramp and dwell

Temperature rises to 60–65°C over 60–90 minutes and is held there for a minimum of 60 minutes once the coolest sensor has reached target. We constantly check with thermal imaging cameras for cold spots and the correct temperature readings.

4. Active monitoring

Technicians remain on-site throughout. Sensors and probes are checked continuously and air circulation is adjusted to keep cool spots from forming.

5. Cool-down and handover

Equipment is removed and the property cools to a safe temperature. You receive a full treatment report including temperature graphs and the written 6-month guarantee.

Guarantee

Every residential heat treatment comes with a 6-month re-treatment guarantee. If bed bugs reappear during that period through no fault of yours (i.e. no obvious re-introduction), we return and re-treat at no charge, please note we would need video evidence of live bed bugs not pictures, or bites as there are so many different insects that can leave bed bug like bite symptoms on the body

Frequently asked questions